Microbiologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a microbiologist. Feel free to use our microbiologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a microbiologist.
Who Is a Microbiologist?
A Microbiologist aims to understand microbes/microbial organisms and work on them to solve a series of health issues, climatic problems, food, environmental and agricultural problems that have risen over years.
A Microbiologist has to be vast in understanding microbes and their roles in causing diseases and infections. The microbes include viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and protozoa.
Our ability to treat disease is greatly assisted by microbiologists. Most of them are biomedical scientists in hospitals or laboratories. They analyze blood, tissues, and fluids to identify infections, monitor the treatment of disease outbreaks, and monitor their progress. Microbiologists can work in hospitals, universities, or medical school laboratories as clinical scientists. Others work with disease-causing microbes like flu or tuberculosis. They use the information they collect to create vaccines and improve existing treatments. Some microbiologists develop early warning systems to detect pollution. They also use microbes in industrial waste treatment. Many others contribute to climate change research worldwide by studying the effects of microbes on atmospheric conditions and climate. Engineers and technologists work with microbiologists in developing greener energy from industrial and urban waste.
Agriculture and food microbiologists research the crucial role of soil microbes. Some focus on the control of pests and diseases in plants. Others use microbes to combat them. Some others focus on the microbes responsible for diseases in farm animals.
These professionals also study viruses and bacteria. They are concerned with organisms that cause disease in patients. Many microbiologists spend their time in a research laboratory, but a hospital microbiologist will be more likely to create cultures from specimens, classify and identify organisms, and confirm medical diagnoses via laboratory testing. You can find out more about hospital microbiologist jobs.
There are many areas of microbiology that can be studied.
Some of these areas include:
- Virology
The study of viruses and the effects they have on the environment is the focus of microbiologists in this field. They are known as virologists and may perform a range of tasks, such as performing research, analyzing experimental findings, testing hypotheses, and presenting research findings and conclusions to committees, public officials, and other agents involved in virological research and development.
- Bacteriology
Bacteriologists are microbiologists who work with bacteria. These professionals work exclusively with bacteria. This could include the collection and analysis of data, specimens for experimental research, and evaluation of research findings.
- Immunology
Many duties are performed by microbiologists who specialize in immunology. These include the study and understanding of the human immune system. To diagnose, treat, and manage immune system disorders and conditions, immunologists work in clinics.
- Parasitology
Parasitologists are microbiologists who specialize in parasitology. They study the life cycle, infestation, and biological and genetic aspects. Parasitologists can work in clinics to diagnose, treat, and monitor parasitic infections in patients. They also can contribute to research on microorganisms that can improve patient outcomes and public safety.
Microbiologist Job Description
Below are the microbiologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a microbiologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a microbiologist include the following:
- Isolating and maintaining cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms for future study.
- Identifying and classifying microorganisms found in specimens collected from humans, water, food, and other sources.
- Controlling the effect of microorganisms on plants, animals, and other microorganisms and the environment.
- Following up on the results of other research groups by reading research reports and attending conferences.
- Preparing technical reports, research papers, and recommendations based on your research findings.
- Presenting research results to scientists, non-scientific executives, engineers, other colleagues, and the public.
- Planning and conducting clinical trials.
- Analyzing behaviors or constitutions and improving laboratory processes for some tasks.
- Handling the microscope which allows observing the Microscopic realities which are being studied
- Knowing how to use the necessary instruments and maintaining them in adequate condition.
- Developing new pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, drugs, and antiseptics.
- Collecting organic matter samples from a wide variety of locations.
- Writing research articles and conducting seminars to educate the general public and your co-workers about your research.
- Respecting the health and safety standards of the community and the workplace.
- Growing samples and experimenting with them
Qualifications
The microbiologist deals with the localization and clear determination of the composition of the population of microbes, microorganisms, and substances present in the blood, urine, and in general of all secretions of the human body. The execution of his work requires the use of various biological and chemical materials, reagents, and modern electronic and digital machines. The demand for the profession has decreased significantly in recent years since, on the one hand, the large number of microbiological laboratories and on the other hand, their automation has worked negatively for the specialty. To obtain the specialty of Microbiologist, which is a laboratory specialty, 4 years of study are required: 1 year in Biochemistry, 1 year in Hematology, and 2 in Microbiology and Immunology.
Microbiologists need both theoretical knowledge and the ability to function in a laboratory and work with viruses, bacteria, and other invisible organisms. Many of them work in scientific research and development for pharmaceutical companies, the government, or universities.
- Degree
Bachelor’s graduates can get entry-level jobs that don’t involve research, such as food industry technicians. This requires specialization in microbiology, biochemistry, or a similar field. Microbiology degree majors typically provide a scientific background that includes classes in computer science, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Programs also typically include classes such as microbial physiology, virology, and microbial genetics, as well as laboratory classes master’s degree
A master’s degree is required for most microbiology jobs, including those in applied research, inspection, product development, and teaching at community colleges. Typical coursework includes the biology of microorganisms, the genetics of bacteria, immunology, and bioinformatics. Microbiology master’s degrees emphasize research and usually require the completion of a thesis.
- Doctorate
Doctorates qualify you for the highest positions in microbiology, such as university professor, specialist, administrator, or research director. Possible options include doctoral degrees, master’s degrees, or both. For example, a Ph.D. requires four to six years and includes class study, research, and completion of a thesis. Ph.D. studies may include parasitology, microbial ecology, and neuroimmunology.
Laboratory experience
Companies seek applicants with hands-on laboratory experience for positions at all levels. Students can hone their knowledge by doing internships with pharmaceutical companies or other companies while completing their studies. Generally, both master’s and doctoral students conduct research in laboratories for their dissertations. In addition, recent Ph.D. graduates spend at least two years in post-doctoral research positions to gain further experience.
The National Institute of Labor Statistics expects a 13% increase in the number of job openings for microbiologists between 2010 and 2020, which is about the average for all jobs. New jobs will appear in the pharmaceutical and environmental industries, in alternative energy, and in agriculture. Microbiologists who are knowledgeable about microbiology and related fields will have the best job opportunities.
Essential Skills
- Patience
- Paying attention to details
- Independence
- Computer and technology skills
- Great teamwork skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Good problem-solving skills
How to Become a Microbiologist
Step 1: Get a bachelor’s degree
Get a degree in Microbiology or other science-related courses that has a strong connection/affiliation to Microbiology. Most people who end up working in microbiology have graduated from college with a related science career, such as biology, microbiology, or another subject with strong connections to the science’s core focus.
Step 2: Plan for a long term career goal
For one who is interested in being a Microbiologist, it’s imperative to understand that such a person has signed up for a long-term career goal.
Step 3: Find your area of specialty
There are several careers you can apply for, so be sure to do some research and find out which one is best for you and gives you the best opportunity to achieve your long-term career goals.
Step 4: Get a master’s degree
That said, there are usually opportunities to specialize or change areas after you get your degree, as there are master’s degrees in microbiology that allow you to specialize further.
Step 5: Get a doctorate degree
The next stage, should you need it, is to get a Ph.D. in Microbiology. It’s also wise to think about incorporating some work experience into your studies, as this will set you ahead of others when you enter the world of work after graduation. You can check if your Bachelor’s or Master’s includes some relevant and practical work experience so you can apply your new skills and learn how to get by on the job. If not, you can always check with local companies to improve your job prospects after your studies.
Step 6: Get work experience
It’s also wise to think about incorporating some work experience into your studies, as this will set you ahead of others when you enter the world of work after graduation. You can check if your Bachelor’s or Master’s includes some relevant and practical work experience so you can apply your new skills and learn how to get by on the job. If not, you can always check with local companies to improve your job prospects after your studies. However, when it comes to securing a position, you may be required to have completed specific degrees or have work experience in a particular area.
Step 7: Volunteer works
Another option is to do some volunteer work, as it will be worth it for job opportunities.
Where to Work as a Microbiologist
According to their specialty, microbiologists may find work in different clinical and scientific environments. There are several common settings that microbiologists can work in, including:
- Research labs
Microbiologists may be involved in research and development. This could include performing laboratory studies and evaluating the results to improve public health, environmental developments, and other areas where microbiology is important. Researchers may be employed by the government, non-profit organizations or private sectors.
- Clinical laboratories
Clinical microbiologists, which include virologists, immunologists, and epidemiologists, conduct research in clinical labs to evaluate treatment options and determine the effectiveness of treatments for disease prevention and elimination. An epidemiologist might work in a clinical setting with new vaccines to study the effects of these medications on microorganisms that can cause disease.
- Environmental studies
Environmental microbiologists are those who study the interactions of organisms such as bacteria and fungus within their environment. This area of microbiology is focused on microorganisms’ interactions within themselves, such as their life cycle and genes, and how they interact within the environment.
- Food industry
Microbiologists can find work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profits, and private research organizations. They are responsible for ensuring that food sold to the public by restaurants, grocery stores, and other suppliers is free from pathogenic or disease-causing microorganisms. The food industry microbiologists provide scientific support to ensure that food is safe for consumers.
Microbiologist Salary Scale
The average monthly salary for a microbiologist depends on many factors, including your degree level, your employer, and your location.
- Average salary and range
The median salary for microbiologists nationwide was $71,720 per year as of May 2011, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Dividing by 12, this works out to an average of $5,977 a month. Monthly salaries for microbiologists ranged from $3,282 at the 10th percentile to $9,642 at the 90th percentile.
- Titles
The different educational levels among microbiologists explain part of their large salary differences. A Georgetown University study compared 2009 wages in the United States for workers with graduate and graduate degrees in various specialties. The average salary with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences was $50,000 per year or $4,167 per month. The average salary with a graduate degree in biological sciences was $85,000 per year or $7,083 per month.
- Biggest Employers
The largest employers of microbiologists are the pharmaceutical and scientific research and development industries, according to the 2011 BLS report. The scientific research involved 4,780 microbiologists who earned an average monthly salary of US$5,932. The pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry employed 3,960 microbiologists, with an average salary of approximately US$5,713 per month.
- Industries that paid the highest wages
The highest-paying industry for microbiologists in 2011 was the Federal Executive Branch, where the 2,600 professionals earned an average of $8,357 a month, according to the BLS. The next highest earners were microbiologists who worked in company management, where 110 workers earned an average of $6,738 a month.
- Other employers
Two other industries employed more than 1,300 microbiologists in 2011, but paid less than $5,000 per month, on average, according to the BLS study. State governments employed 1,450 microbiologists, paying them an average salary of $4,347 a month. Colleges, universities, and professional schools employed an additional 1,320 workers for an average wage of $4,693 a month.
- Highest Salary Locations
The metropolitan region that paid microbiologists the most in 2011 was the Bethesda, Rockville, and Frederick area of Maryland, according to the government study. Microbiologists in this area near the District of Columbia earned an average of $9,110 a month. The high salary is not surprising, since the federal government is based in the district. The median salary for microbiologists in Maryland was $8,519 a month, the highest of any state. Georgia paid the second-highest monthly salary, averaging $7,243.
