The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is inviting applications for the 2027–2028 mBio Early-Career Editorial Board (ECB), a professional development programme designed to help early-career researchers build expertise in scientific peer review, publication ethics and scholarly publishing. The programme offers participants structured training, hands-on manuscript reviewing experience and mentorship from experienced mBio editors. It is intended for researchers who want to strengthen their academic careers, improve their critical evaluation skills and contribute to high-quality scientific publishing. Applications open on 19 October 2026 and close on 11 December 2026. Researchers from all geographic regions are encouraged to apply, with particular encouragement for individuals from groups underrepresented in the sciences. About the mBio Early-Career Editorial Board mBio is a scientific journal published by the American Society for Microbiology. Through its Early-Career Editorial Board, the journal provides emerging researchers with practical experience in the peer-review process and an opportunity to learn from established editors. Peer review is an essential part of scientific publishing because it helps assess the quality, reliability and relevance of research before publication. However, early-career researchers may have limited formal training in reviewing manuscripts. The ECB programme addresses this gap by combining structured instruction with supervised reviewing assignments. Participants learn how to assess scientific manuscripts, identify methodological concerns, provide constructive feedback and apply ethical standards when evaluating research. The programme also introduces participants to responsible editorial practices and the challenges involved in maintaining fairness and integrity in scholarly communication. Programme Structure and Duration The 2027–2028 cohort follows two main phases: a three-month training phase and a twelve-month mentored reviewing phase. 1. Training Phase — Three Months The programme begins with biweekly online training sessions, which may be attended live or accessed through recordings. The sessions cover essential principles of effective peer review and scientific publishing. Key training topics include: Principles of effective peer review. Publication ethics and research integrity. Identifying and reducing bias in the review process. Responsible use of artificial intelligence in scholarly publishing. Writing clear, constructive and scientifically useful manuscript reviews. This phase helps participants understand the responsibilities of a reviewer and develop the knowledge needed to evaluate scientific research fairly and professionally. 2. Mentored Reviewing Phase — Twelve Months After the training phase, each board member is paired with an mBio editor whose expertise aligns with their research background. Under the mentor’s guidance, participants review manuscripts submitted to mBio within their areas of expertise. They receive personalised feedback on their reviews and have opportunities to discuss their progress, improve their reviewing techniques and develop professional confidence. The mentoring component is intended to prepare participants for future responsibilities in scientific peer review and editorial leadership. Eligibility and Who Should Apply The programme is designed for early-career researchers working in the sciences, particularly those with expertise relevant to the microbiology research published by mBio. Researchers interested in scientific manuscript evaluation, research integrity, academic publishing and editorial development may find the programme particularly valuable. ASM explicitly encourages applications from researchers across all geographic regions and places special emphasis on individuals from groups underrepresented in the sciences. This makes the opportunity relevant to researchers seeking greater participation in international scientific publishing, including those working in regions with fewer opportunities for formal peer-review training. The supplied announcement does not specify detailed eligibility criteria, such as minimum academic qualifications, career-stage limits, degree requirements or membership conditions. Prospective applicants should consult the official application guidelines to confirm whether they meet all requirements. Responsibilities of Early-Career Editorial Board Members Selected participants must commit to the programme from spring 2027 through summer 2028. They are expected to attend all training sessions or watch the corresponding recordings, participate actively in group discussions and mentoring meetings, and complete assigned activities. During the reviewing phase, members are expected to review an average of one mBio manuscript per month, as assigned by their mentor or other mBio editors. Board members must also follow ASM reviewer policies and guidelines, maintain manuscript confidentiality, and provide timely, fair, unbiased and constructive reviews. They are expected to help foster an inclusive scholarly publishing environment and encourage colleagues in the microbial sciences to support their professional society. Applicants should therefore consider the time commitment carefully before applying. Benefits of the Programme Participation offers several professional development benefits, including: Structured training in peer review and publication ethics. Practical experience evaluating scientific manuscripts. Individualised feedback from experienced journal editors. Mentorship and professional development discussions. Improved scientific writing, critical analysis and communication skills. Exposure to editorial responsibilities and potential future leadership opportunities. The programme may be particularly useful for researchers who want to strengthen their academic profiles and contribute to more rigorous, ethical and inclusive scientific publishing. The announcement does not specify a stipend, salary, travel allowance or other financial support. Applicants should review the official programme information for any additional details about costs or participant benefits. Application Deadline and Programme Dates Application period: 19 October 2026–11 December 2026 Programme term: Spring 2027 through summer 2028 The application status is listed as open in the supplied announcement. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their submissions early and review all official requirements before the closing date. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Applicants should read the application guidelines carefully and submit their applications through the official mBio Early-Career Editorial Board page. The mBio Early-Career Editorial Board offers an opportunity for emerging scientists to gain practical peer-review experience, receive mentorship and contribute to the integrity of scientific publishing. Researchers interested in microbiology and scholarly communication should consider applying before the December 2026 deadline. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations