Microbiology is a biography...a biography of bacteria. Microbiologists see what is invisible..they do what is impossible. Microbiologists study microbes to understand how they affect our lives and how we can exploit them. Continue Reading
USA 
UK 
Explore Career Microbiology is a biography...a biography of bacteria. Microbiologists see what is invisible..they do what is impossible. Microbiologists study microbes to understand how they affect our lives and how we can exploit them.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Microbiologist?
A Microbiologist would typically need to:
Microbiologists typically work in laboratories, offices, and industrial settings to conduct experiments and analyze the results. They use advanced computer software and a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory instruments to study bacteria and to analyze the growth of microorganisms found in samples.
Microbiologists work with medical scientists, molecular biologists, physicians, and nurses. Some Microbiologists may conduct onsite visits or collect samples from the environment or worksites; they may travel occasionally and spend some time outside. The dress code is protective clothing such as gloves, coat, and safety glasses in the lab and business casual in an office setting.
Most Microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours. You will usually work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Large companies may provide flexible working schemes. Part-time work is possible.
Microbiologists work in a range of fields. One of the largest is research and analysis. Jobs can also be found in the manufacturing and environmental sectors. Online science publications, job portals, and specialist recruitment agencies advertise vacancies.
Microbiologists are generally employed by:
Student membership of a professional body will show your commitment and provide valuable networking and career development opportunities. Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as a Microbiologist.
Paid or voluntary research and lab work experience before entering the workforce are preferred. Some pharmaceutical companies offer paid summer placements to prospective Microbiologists. You can contact companies about work experience or work shadowing opportunities. You can also speak to hospital laboratories or your university careers service about getting some voluntary experience.
Some professional organizations offer placements to recent graduates and a variety of grants to support students who want to gain some work experience.
Most candidates who have a PhD in Microbiology begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. They work with experienced scientists to learn about their specialties and develop a broader understanding of related areas of research. A solid record of published research is essential to getting a permanent college or university faculty position.
A bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, microbial sciences, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, applied biology, or biological sciences is needed for entry-level Microbiologist jobs. Classes in biochemistry, chemistry, and physics give prospective Microbiologists a broad understanding of the sciences.
Courses in statistics, math, and computer science help Microbiologists with complex data analysis. Most undergraduate Microbiology programs include a mandatory laboratory requirement, but additional laboratory coursework is recommended. Generally, graduate students studying Microbiology specialize in a subfield such as bacteriology or immunology.
Microbiologists need a PhD to carry out independent research or work in colleges and universities. PhD programs usually include classwork, laboratory research, and completing a thesis or dissertation. Some employers may require an integrated master’s degree, such as an MBiolSci, an MBiol, or an MSc, specially designed to suit Microbiologists looking for a career focused on research.
Certifications are not mandatory for the majority of work done by Microbiologists. However, certifications are available for those who specialize in the fields of Clinical Microbiology, food safety & quality, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Accreditation may help workers gain employment in the occupation or advance to new positions of responsibility.
Microbiologists typically receive greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience, certification, and higher education. Ph.D. Microbiologists usually lead research teams and control the direction and content of projects. In some jobs, salary increases may be available upon completion of on-the-job training.
Some Microbiologists move into managerial positions, often as Natural Sciences Managers. Those who pursue management careers spend much of their time on administrative tasks, such as preparing budgets and schedules.
It is also possible to move from Practitioner, to Specialist, to Team Manager and then Consultant. At more senior levels, you will be involved in staff management with more responsibility for the work of the laboratory.
In some fields, you may need to be geographically mobile to progress. Specialization in your degree course or your choice of the first job may affect your future career options. Research in specialist areas such as bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology is also an option.
Experienced Microbiologists may progress into other fields of work that benefit from their specialist knowledge, such as pharmaceutical sales and marketing, patent work, teaching, scientific publishing, and the legal profession.
There is a clear-cut career path for Clinical Microbiologists, with most aiming at becoming consultants. Industry Microbiologists might progress to more managerial roles. Those in academia might become high school teachers or seek lectureships and eventually ascend to the professorial level.
Microbiology is a growing field that should provide good prospects for qualified workers. Most of the applied research projects require scientists’ expertise in multiple fields such as geology, chemistry, and medicine.
Microbiologists having some familiarity with other disciplines should have the best opportunities. Government budgetary decisions and private capital availability will affect job prospects in basic research from year to year.
Training will vary depending on both the industry and your employer. Trainee Microbiologists might work towards a qualification or membership of a professional body and train on the job. Professional organizations offer training on topics related to your area of specialism. Larger organizations, particularly those involved in research, may provide training and development opportunities for their staff.
Microbiologists never really stop training. They are constantly learning to keep abreast of new research and developments in the field. Continuing professional development (CPD) activities include attending events and conferences, mentoring, teaching, and publishing papers to keep up with developing research.
Networking at all levels is part of successful career development and will help increase your career prospects. It is important to maintain a professional profile by presenting research at meetings, undertaking work exchanges abroad, and applying for research grants.
Finding Solutions
By understanding microbes, Microbiologists aim to solve a range of problems affecting our health, environment, climate, food, and agriculture. They work towards the prevention, diagnosis, and control of infections and disease, ensuring that food is safe, understanding the role that microbes play in climate change, and developing green technologies.
Basic and Applied Research
Many Microbiologists work in research and development, conducting primary research or applied research. Basic research aims to increase scientific knowledge. Basic researchers who work in academia choose the focus of their research and run their laboratories. Basic researchers often need to fund their research by winning grants. These grants often put pressure on researchers to meet deadlines and other specifications. Research grants generally pass through a competitive selection process.
Other Microbiologists conduct applied research and develop new products to solve particular problems. Applied researchers who work for companies study the products that the company will sell or suggest modifications to the production process to become more efficient.
Types of Microbiologists and Specialist Areas
The following are examples of the types of Microbiologists: Bacteriologist, Clinical Microbiologist, Environmental Microbiologist, Industrial Microbiologist, Mycologist, Parasitologist, Public Health Microbiologist, and Virologist. Specialized areas include medicine, healthcare, research, agriculture, food safety, environment, and climate change.
Microbiologists begin their observations from where people stop appearing. The grand challenge of Microbiology today is to know better, protect, utilize, and celebrate the unseen majority on our planet.
Microbiologists begin their observations from where people stop appearing. The grand challenge of Microbiology today is to know better, protect, utilize, and celebrate the unseen majority on our planet.
What would happen in a world without microbes? Crops would fail. Decomposition would stop, waste would pile up, and life, as we know it, would grind to a halt.
What do Microbiologists do?
A Microbiologist would typically need to:
Accredited
$104,230
