Microbiologists
What Microbiologists Do?
Microbiologists study
microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of
parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact
with their environments.
Duties of
Microbiologists
Microbiologists
typically do the following:
- Plan and conduct complex
research projects, such as improving sterilization procedures or
developing new drugs to combat infectious diseases
- Perform laboratory experiments
that are used in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses
- Supervise the work of
biological technicians and other workers and evaluate the accuracy of
their results
- Isolate and maintain cultures
of bacteria or other microorganisms for study
- Identify and classify
microorganisms found in specimens collected from humans, plants, animals,
or the environment
- Monitor the effect of
microorganisms on plants, animals, other microorganisms, or the
environment
- Review literature and the
findings of other researchers and attend conferences
- Prepare technical reports,
publish research papers, and make recommendations based on their research
findings
- Present research findings to
scientists, nonscientist executives, engineers, other colleagues, and the
public
Many microbiologists
work in research and development conducting basic research or applied research.
The aim of basic research is to increase scientific knowledge. An example is
growing strains of bacteria in various conditions to learn how they react to
those conditions. Other microbiologists conduct applied research and develop
new products to solve particular problems. For example, microbiologists may aid
in the development of genetically engineered crops, better biofuels, or new
vaccines.
Microbiologists use
computers and a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory instruments to do
their experiments. Electron microscopes are used to study bacteria, and
advanced computer software is used to analyze the growth of microorganisms
found in samples.
It is increasingly
common for microbiologists to work on teams with technicians and scientists in
other fields, because many scientific research projects involve multiple
disciplines. Microbiologists may work with medical scientists or molecular biologists while researching
new drugs, or they may work in medical diagnostic laboratories alongside physicians and nurses to help prevent, treat, and cure
diseases.
The following are
examples of types of microbiologists:
Bacteriologists study the growth, development, and other properties of bacteria,
including the positive and negative effects that bacteria have on plants,
animals, and humans.
Clinical
microbiologists perform a wide range of clinical laboratory
tests on specimens collected from plants, humans, and animals to aid in
detection of disease. Clinical and medical microbiologists whose work involves
directly researching human health may be classified as medical scientists.
Environmental
microbiologists study how microorganisms interact with the
environment and each other. They may study the use of microbes to clean up
areas contaminated by heavy metals or study how microbes could aid crop growth.
Industrial
microbiologists study and solve problems related to industrial
production processes. They may examine microbial growth found in the pipes of a
chemical factory, monitor the impact industrial waste has on the local
ecosystem, or oversee the microbial activities used in cheese production to
ensure quality.
Mycologists study the properties of fungi such as yeast and mold. They also
study the ways fungi can be used to benefit society (for example, in food or
the environment) and the risks fungi may pose.
Parasitologists study the life cycle of parasites, the parasite-host
relationship, and how parasites adapt to different environments. They may
investigate the outbreak and control of parasitic diseases such as malaria.
Public health
microbiologists examine
specimens to track, control, and prevent communicable diseases and other health
hazards. They typically provide laboratory services for local health
departments and community health programs.
Virologists study the structure, development, and
other properties of viruses and any effects viruses have on infected organisms.
Many people with a
microbiology background become high school teachers or postsecondary teachers.
Work Environment for Microbiologists in US
Microbiologists hold
about 23,200 jobs. The largest employers of microbiologists are as follows:
|
Research
and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
|
26%
|
|
Pharmaceutical
and medicine manufacturing
|
16
|
|
Colleges,
universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
|
12
|
|
Federal
government, excluding postal service
|
11
|
|
State
government, excluding education and hospitals
|
6
|
Microbiologists
typically work in laboratories, offices, and industrial settings where they
conduct experiments and analyze the results. Microbiologists who work with
dangerous organisms must follow strict safety procedures to avoid
contamination. Some microbiologists may conduct onsite visits or collect
samples from the environment or worksites, and, as a result, may travel
occasionally and spend some time outside.
Basic researchers who
work in academia usually choose the focus of their research and run their own
laboratories. Applied researchers who work for companies study the products
that the company will sell or suggest modifications to the production process
so that the company can become more efficient. 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 are
generally awarded through a competitive selection process.
Microbiologist Work
Schedules
Most microbiologists
work full time and keep regular hours.
How to Become a Microbiologist
A bachelor's degree in
microbiology or a closely related field is needed for entry-level
microbiologist jobs. A Ph.D. is needed to carry out independent research and to
work in universities.
Education for
Microbiologists
Microbiologists need
at least a bachelor's degree in microbiology or a closely related program that
offers substantial coursework in microbiology, such as biochemistry or cell
biology. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in biological
sciences, including microbiology.
Most microbiology
majors take core courses in microbial genetics and microbial physiology and
elective classes such as environmental microbiology and virology. Students also
should take classes in other sciences, such as biochemistry, chemistry, and
physics, because it is important for microbiologists to have a broad
understanding of the sciences. Courses in statistics, math, and computer
science are important for microbiologists because they may need to do complex
data analysis.
It is important for
prospective microbiologists to have laboratory experience before entering the
workforce. Most undergraduate microbiology programs include a mandatory
laboratory requirement, but additional laboratory coursework is recommended.
Students also can gain valuable laboratory experience through internships with
prospective employers, such as drug manufacturers.
Microbiologists
typically need a Ph.D. to carry out independent research and work in colleges
and universities. Graduate students studying microbiology commonly specialize
in a subfield such as bacteriology or immunology. Ph.D. programs usually
include class work, laboratory research, and completing a thesis or
dissertation.
Microbiologist
Training
Many microbiology
Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions.
During their postdoctoral appointment, they work with experienced scientists as
they continue to learn about their specialties and develop a broader
understanding of related areas of research.
Postdoctoral positions
typically offer the opportunity to publish research findings. A solid record of
published research is essential to getting a permanent college or university
faculty position.
Important Qualities
for Microbiologists
Communication skills. Microbiologists should be able to
effectively communicate their research processes and findings so that knowledge
may be applied correctly.
Detail oriented. Microbiologists must be able to conduct
scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision.
Interpersonal skills. Microbiologists typically work on
research teams and thus must work well with others toward a common goal. Many
also lead research teams and must be able to motivate and direct other team
members.
Logical-thinking
skills. Microbiologists
draw conclusions from experimental results through sound reasoning and
judgment.
Math skills. Microbiologists regularly use complex
mathematical equations and formulas in their work. Therefore, they need a broad
understanding of math, including calculus and statistics.
Observation skills. Microbiologists must constantly monitor
their experiments. They need to keep a complete, accurate record of their work,
noting conditions, procedures, and results.
Perseverance. Microbiological research involves
substantial trial and error, and microbiologists must not become discouraged in
their work.
Problem-solving
skills. Microbiologists
use scientific experiments and analysis to find solutions to complex scientific
problems.
Time-management
skills. Microbiologists
usually need to meet deadlines when conducting research and laboratory tests.
They must be able to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently while
maintaining their quality of work.
Advancement for
Microbiologists
Microbiologists
typically receive greater responsibility and independence in their work as they
gain experience. They also gain greater responsibility through certification
and higher education. Ph.D. microbiologists usually lead research teams and
control the direction and content of projects.
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.
Licenses,
Certifications, and Registrations for Microbiologists
Certifications are not
mandatory for the majority of work done by microbiologists. However,
certifications are available for clinical microbiologists and for those who
specialize in the fields of food safety and quality and pharmaceuticals and
medical devices. Certification may help workers gain employment in the
occupation or advance to new positions of responsibility.
The median annual wage
for microbiologists is $66,850. The median wage is the wage at which half the
workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The
lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,480, and the highest 10 percent earned
more than $128,190.
The median annual
wages for microbiologists in the top industries in which they work are as
follows:
|
Federal
government, excluding postal service
|
$101,320
|
|
Research
and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
|
74,750
|
|
Pharmaceutical
and medicine manufacturing
|
61,880
|
|
State
government, excluding education and hospitals
|
53,670
|
|
Colleges,
universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
|
49,300
|
Most microbiologists
work full time and keep regular hours.
Job Outlook for Microbiologists
Employment of
microbiologists is projected to grow 8 percent over the next ten years, about
as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed
to contribute to basic research and solve problems of industrial production.
Microbiologists will
be needed to research and develop new medicines and treatments, such as
vaccines and antibiotics. In addition, microbiologists will be needed to help
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop drugs that are produced with
the aid of microorganisms.
Aside from improving
health, other areas of research and development are expected to provide
employment growth for microbiologists. Many companies, from food producers to
chemical companies, will need microbiologists to ensure product quality and
production efficiency. Efforts to find more clean sources of energy will
involve microbiologists, such as mycologists and industrial microbiologists,
who research and develop alternative energy sources such as biofuels and
biomass. In agriculture, microbiologists will be needed to help develop
genetically engineered crops that provide greater yields or require less
pesticide and fertilizer. Finally, efforts to discover new and improved ways to
preserve the environment and safeguard public health also will make use of
microbiologists.
Job Prospects for
Microbiologists
Microbiology is a
thriving field that should provide good prospects for qualified workers. Most
of the applied research projects that microbiologists are involved in require
the expertise of scientists in multiple fields such as geology, chemistry, and
medicine. Microbiologists with some familiarity of other disciplines should
have the best opportunities.
Much of basic research
depends on funding from the federal government through the National Institutes
of Health and the National Science Foundation. Federal budgetary decisions and
private capital availability will affect job prospects in basic research from
year to year. There is strong competition among microbiologists for research
funding. However, many opportunities for microbiologists are likely to be
available.
|
Employment projections data for Microbiologists, 2016-26
|
|||||
|
Occupational
Title
|
Employment, 2016
|
Projected Employment, 2026
|
Change, 2016-26
|
||
|
Percent
|
Numeric
|
||||
|
Microbiologists
|
23,200
|
25,100
|
8
|
1,900
|
|
Careers Related to Microbiologists
Agricultural and food
scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural
establishments and products.
Biochemists and
biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and
of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and
disease.
Biological technicians
help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and
experiments.
Conservation
scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks,
rangelands, and other natural resources.
Environmental
scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to
protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas,
advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.
Geoscientists study
the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and
processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.
Medical laboratory
technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical
laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body
fluids, tissue, and other substances.
Medical scientists
conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use
clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Natural sciences
managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and
biologists. They direct activities related to research and development, and
coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
Zoologists and
wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with
their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal
behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
Aspiring Microbiology scientists
are required to earn at least a bachelor's degree in Microbiology or a closely
related field. Microbiologists need a solid
foundation of the sciences. Microbiologymajors take courses
such as microbial physiology, virology, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics.
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