Why Microbiology Matters : Career As A Microbiologist

Pre-entry experience in a laboratory is useful if you're thinking of a science-based career. Some degree courses include a year's work placement undertaking scientific research in industry, a government research laboratory or another relevant organisation.

Membership of a relevant society or professional body such as the Society for Applied Microbiology (SfAM)?or the Microbiology Society?provides valuable networking opportunities and access to grants and free or discounted conference attendance.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

About Microbiologist

In the recent years, Microbiology has created a lot of buzz and gained popularity leading to a rush in the number of students who are looking forward to pursuing microbiology as a career. A person who specialises in the field of microbiology is called as a microbiologist. Microbiologists are regarded as scientists who play a vital role in studying organisms and infectious agents that cannot be seen with the unprotected eye. They also study the interactions of microorganisms with humans and?other organisms that exist and affect our lives. Microbiologists also check the food whether it is safe or not, develop green technologies and track the role of microbes in the climate change.

Microbiologists work in many different job areas, in a variety of different job roles. Microbiologists can make careers in research and non-research fields.

How did it all begin?

A famous German biologist “Louis Pasteur” is one of the founders of microbiology. He performed various tests to discover why wine and dairy products become sour.

Eligibility to become Microbiologist

In order to start a career in Microbiology, students must choose PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) stream in Class 12. The students must score at least 50% marks in Class 12 to take up higher level education in the field of microbiology. Usually, there will be no entrance test for UG level courses in microbiology or biology. Science stream with Biology as the major subject in Class 12 is mandatory to take up Microbiology course.

Also Check:?https://www.sarvgyan.com/courses-after-12th

For taking up UG level courses, i.e., B.Sc in Microbiology, students need to pass Class 12 with a minimum 50% marks. For taking up M.Sc in Microbiology, B.Sc degree in Microbiology/Biology/Zoology/Botany is mandatory. For taking up Ph.D. or M.Phil courses in the field of microbiology and associated areas, Master’s course is mandatory?in the relevant field.

Most universities conduct entrance test for Master’s, M.Phil and Ph.D. courses. For admission to PG courses, it is necessary to hold a bachelors degree (B.Sc.)?in the related field. Some universities organize their own entrance exams for screening candidates for admissions. Candidates can appear in NEET PG 2021, AIIMS PG 2021?and JIPMER PG 2021?for microbiology courses.

Types of Job Roles Microbiologist

Microbiologists are required for diverse jobs. The following are some of the job profiles that Microbiologists can take up after obtaining the necessary skills.

“Job outlook for Microbiologist is Positive.”

At present, the scientific, analytical and problem-solving skills developed by microbiology graduates are high in demand by employers.?There are various options available after studying for a Microbiology degree.

You can choose to stay in education & do a master degree or Ph.D. in microbiology.?Whether you can decide to enter the job market after graduation?degree.?You can work in both governments as well as in private sectors.?Microbiologists are mostly demanded in the UK, US, France, Australia, and Germany.

With a degree in microbiology, you can get opportunities in various fields like healthcare organizations, forensic science laboratories, environmental organizations, higher education institutions, food and drink, publicly funded research organizations, pharmaceuticals?and many other industries.?In the medicine and healthcare field, your work is usually associated with prevention & treatment of illnesses linked with microbes.?Various Universities & Institutions employ microbiologists as teachers & researchers.

Employment Opportunities for Microbiologists

Microbiology overlaps with other areas of biology such as genetics, molecular biology and immunology. This means there are opportunities for a microbiology-related career in a wide range of sectors. Microbiologists are required in diverse domains in the field of Science.

Find information on employers in science and pharmaceuticals, healthcare, teaching training and education?and other job sectors.

Pay Scale/Salary of Microbiologist

Microbiologists in diverse sectors earn a satisfactory salary. Most companies pay more for highly skilled and experienced Microbiologists and researchers.

How much a Microbiology degree holder earns?

In India, the average salary of a Microbiologist is between 2 to 3 lakhs per year.

If you are working with the government or private organizations, you will get handsome salary along with the perks & other benefits.?An experienced?Microbiologist with masters or Ph.D. degree can get a very good salary package in both sectors.

Salary will also depend on several factors like organization, sector, job profile, location, etc. Experience matters a lot in this field. Work experience helps you to give an opportunity to find out a particular job which suited to you. In this field higher salary package offered to experienced microbiologist.

Skills for CV

Studying microbiology helps you to develop a variety of subject-specific skills. These include the ability to?employ a range of investigative, recording and analysis techniques; prepare, interpret and present data, using statistical programmes, qualitative and quantitative techniques and spreadsheets; conduct literature searches and critically evaluate information; undertake practical laboratory investigations in a safe, responsible and ethical manner; apply scientific thought, rationales and approaches.?

You also develop other more general skills, including?- teamwork and the ability to work on your own initiative; a flexible approach to work; problem-solving skills; communication; time management and organisational skills?& the ability to evaluate your own performance and that of others.

Further Study

Every microbiologist has a unique set of skills. Fortunately the career opportunities in the microbiology field are as diverse and the people who work in the industry. Depending on your experience and education, positions in a laboratory can range from Laboratory Assistant to Director of Research.

Whether you’re a college student who enjoys microbiology but isn’t sure what path to take, or a microbiology veteran looking for a new challenge, our list of microbiology careers has something for everyone.

Biotechnologists

Biotechnologists work in the agriculture, environment, food, and clinical industries. They manipulate the genes of a microorganism.?An environmental biotechnologist might develop microorganisms that clean polluted water.?A medical biotechnologist could produce medicines using techniques such as cell culture.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists

Clinical Laboratory Scientists (also called Medical Technologists) work in many areas including clinical, veterinary, and state and national health laboratories. They analyze blood, urine, tissue and other body specimens in order to determine the cause of an infection in a patient and what antibiotics are effective in treating the infection. This field is evolving as genetic and mass spectrophotometry techniques become common. Several employees at Microbiologics have backgrounds in clinical science.

Food Scientists and Technologists

Food microbiologists test food and beverage products for pathogens such as Salmonella?and Listeria monocytogenes?and for spoilage microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria.?Food microbiologists help their company meet standards for product safety and food quality.?Some Technical Support Specialists at Microbiologics have previously worked in the food industry including one of the blog writers, Jane Johnson.

Immunologists

Immunologists investigate how a body defends itself against disease. Research areas include biodefense, biofilms, genetics, HIV/AIDS, immunologic mechanisms, respiratory pathogens (including influenza) and vaccine development.

Mycologists

Mycologists study disease-causing fungus and fungus that produce antibiotics.?Mycologists often work in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research laboratories. Mycologists also work in environmental laboratories that analyze indoor air for mold spores.

Parasitologists

Parasitologists investigate how parasitic microorganisms infect living hosts, reproduce and cause disease.

Personal Care Product and Cosmetic Scientists and Technologists

Personal Care Product and Cosmetic Scientists and Technologists are responsible for ensuring the safety of products like shampoo, eye shadow, and baby wipes. They test products for disease-causing microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pharmaceutical Scientists And Technologists

Pharmaceutical scientists and technologists are responsible for ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products. Technologists test raw materials and finished products for disease-causing microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Burkholderia cepacia.?Scientists research and develop new drugs and therapies.

Sales

Some microbiologists find sales to be a rewarding career.?Because of their strong background in science, they are able to help customers choose the best microbiology product for their situation.?

Several of Microbiologics sales?people have a degree in microbiology or a related field including another one of the blog writers, Kelly Hedlund.?Many members of the sales team are fluent in more than one language. They also have the opportunity to travel throughout the world visiting customer and distributors.

Science Writers

Readers appreciate well-written articles on current developments in microbiology.?Recently, for example, there have been several excellent articles and broadcast reports about Zika virus including an update shared on the?blog. Strong communication skills combined with a background in microbiology can be the foundation of a successful career as a science journalist or blogger.

Teachers and Professors

Teachers and professors share their passion for microbiology by educating high school, university, and post graduate students.?They are responsible for?creating and executing lesson plans that teach students the characteristics of microorganisms and the latest developments in the field of microbiology.

Technical Support Specialists

Technical Support Specialists provide technical assistance to customers using a manufacturer’s?products. The Technical Support Department at Microbiologics helps?customers choose microorganism strains, instructs customers on the use of products, and helps with hands-on customer and distributor trainings.

Virologists

Virologists study viruses that affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi, and plants in community, clinical, agricultural, and natural environments.?They develop vaccines for influenza and other diseases.

Water Quality Laboratory Technicians

Municipalities, water treatment plants, and state and local agencies need technicians to test drinking water, treated water, and recreational water.?Often the laboratories are testing for E. coli, an indicator of fecal contamination and a warning sign that water-borne pathogens such as Salmonella and Shigella may be present.

An excellent way to learn about microorganisms is to use them in the laboratory. Follow this link to view a list microorganisms used in universities?then visit the website?to find the right strain and format for your lab.

Searching for your dream job? Check out these microbiology job sites:

·?ASM Career Connection

·?Microbe Net

·?New Scientist Jobs

·?Science Careers

In some cases this can lead to a career in academia or in government research.

If you want to work as an NHS healthcare scientist in microbiology, you'll need to undertake further training via the NHS Scientist Training Programme, which includes study at Masters level in clinical science (infection sciences).

It's also possible to proceed to a graduate-entry programme in medicine.?Some microbiology graduates choose to diversify by studying subjects such as computing, science communication and journalism. You can also choose to take further study in areas such as marketing, finance, business, teaching and law.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees?and search postgraduate courses in microbiology.