Microbiologist: Job Description, Education & Employment

If you want to become a biological scientist and have a strong passion for studying microorganisms, consider becoming a microbiologist. These scientists study the field of microbiology which deals with the study of microscopic organism including fungi, algae, bacteria, protozoa, yeast etc. If you wish to become a microbiologist, you need to be well equipped with all the career information about this occupation including the job description of microbiologists, educational qualification required, job skills and the career prospects that await you in this occupation. Below, we discuss about it all and how you can make the most of your career.

 

Job Description
Biological scientists who work as microbiologists are responsible for studying different forms of microscopic lives. These professionals are specially trained to study the lives of microorganism like algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, various, yeasts etc. They have the responsibility to identify the characteristics of this microorganism and study their reactions to different types of chemicals and stimuli. In addition, it is also observe the life cycle, their development and their reproduction cycle.

 

Microbiologists work in a variety of fields. Some of the professionals are employed in universities were they conduct researches. There are others who are employed in medical centers and government agencies. Though their responsibilities may vary depending on where they work, most of microbiologists are involved in some kind of researches or laboratory work or the other. To perform their job duties efficiently, they make use of a range of equipment including electron microscope, light microscope, glass tubes, slides etc. they also have computer proficiency to perform their work with the help of computers.

 

While working on a research project, microbiologists also work in close contact other biological technicians. Since microscopic organisms' are of different types, these biological scientist may also specialize in the study of one type of microorganisms or another. For instance, those who chose to become bacteriologists focus on the study of bacteria while virologists are responsible for studying viruses. Medical microbiologists work in the field of medicine. Their job responsibility involves studying the relationship between a verity of microorganisms and diseases caused by them. These scientists conduct researches on how these microorganisms inter the body of humans and animals and cause different diseases. On the basis of their research findings, microbiology scientists discover new methods to treat and prevent various diseases.

 

Educational qualification & training requirements
Candidates aspiring to become a microbiologist need a doctoral degree. Though you can find entry level jobs in the field of microbiology, with a bachelor's degree, a doctoral degree is required for research level jobs and advanced career opportunities. Those who posses a master's degree can also occupy teaching and applied research job positions. A doctoral degree in microbiology is a must for those who plan to obtain senior level research positions in universities. A period of 4 years is required to complete a bachelor's degree and an additional 2 years for completing a master's degree. To obtain a doctoral degree, another 3-4 years are required.

 

Employment Opportunities
Microbiologists work in numerous fields including medicine, public health, agriculture, marine microbiology and other related industries. Agricultural microbiologists work with microorganisms affecting the soil and plant growth. Industrial microbiologists are called upon to work in industries like food processing, chemicals and drugs. Candidates with advanced educational qualification and extensive work experience will have plenty of employment opportunities. Employment for these professionals is available in colleges, universities, private firms, medical centers, government agencies etc. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job growth in this field as fast as the average of all other occupations.

 

Annual Salary
Salaries of microbiologists will vary depending on their educational qualification and the work experience they carry. In 2004, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $54,840. Those are employed in federal government agencies earn the highest salary, the average income being $80,798 annually in the year 2005. Apart from salary, there are additional employee benefits like paid holidays, medical insurance, pension schemes etc.