Microbiologist Job Description

Microbiologist are biological scientists and their job mostly consists of work that is restricted to laboratory conditions. However the job description also varies according to the employer organization and the educational qualification of the candidate. There are microbiologists who work as teachers in education institutes while others take up research positions with pharmaceutical companies. Microbiology is a vast field and constitutes the study of microscopic living organisms found in animals, plants, etc. Biological science students mostly opt for a specialty when they are studying, for example some may choose to gain expertise in studying bacteria and its relation to food, environment, and diseases.

Education and Salary

One of the basic requirements to become a microbiologist is to have a bachelor of science in microbiology degree, the microbiologist job duties depend on the educational qualification. This is the basic requirement for most entry-level jobs in this profession, however employers prefer candidates who have a master's degree or a doctorate in microbiology with specialization in specific subjects. A master's degree focuses on enhancing students knowledge of cell physiology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, immunology, etc. Employers looking to hire people for research or teaching positions generally prefer candidates with Ph.D. The salary also depends on the education, it can range anywhere between USD 36,000 to USD 90,000 annually. Pharmaceutical companies mostly hire microbiologist and the average salary can range between USD 46,000 to USD 62,000 annually. The health care industry also requires microbiologist and the average salary in this sector ranges between USD 39,000 to USD 54,000.

Job Responsibilities

The job description mostly consists of the study of micro organisms under laboratory conditions, however some microbiologist working in managerial positions will have to take up administrative responsibilities. A few microbiologist also take up teaching positions and their job duties are dictated according to the terms of the education institute.

Job responsibilities also depend on the work profile, a food microbiologist deals with various aspects of the industry like, preservation and hygiene. They are also required to study the effects of certain micro organisms on food, to prevent out breaks of food borne diseases. For example they have to look out for dangerous organisms like E. Coli and Salmonella.

Another specialization in the field of microbiology is clinical microbiology and their job involves studying diseases caused due to bacteria or viruses. They are also required to develop and test new medicines that prevent the out break of diseases and epidemics. Clinical microbiologists study fungi, bacteria, viruses, etc to find out about their medicinal qualities as well as their role in contagious diseases.

Some microbiologist prefer working as consultants and they supervise diagnostic methods and examining bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, etc. specimens. Organizations at times hire consultants and assign them the responsibility of quality assurance. They will be required to check and make sure that procedures, equipment, and the testing facilities meeindustry requirements. Consultants are also required to interact with administrative officers like managers, CEO, etc and liaison with clients.

A few microbiologist also acquire specialization in forensic microbiology and work for law enforcement agencies. They use their skills to detect illegal substances that can be used as poisons or in chemical and biological attacks. Forensic microbiologist also test evidence found at crime scenes to find out the time frame of the crime and come up with clues that will identify the suspect. The recent rise in terrorist threats and the use of biological weapons has made this a much sought after expertise.

The job description of microbiologists varies according to the employer organization and the expertise of the candidate. Most microbiologist work under laboratory conditions and conduct experiments to ascertain the use and ill effects of micro organisms. According to statistics, the job out look for this profession for the coming years is good with growth expected to be more than average.