Microbiologists are scientists investigating the mysteries of microorganisms and the way they affect our lives. They are professional researchers who create reports on their findings and publish them in academic papers.
Everything related to the growth and development of bacteria, algae, and fungi will be your business as a microbiologist. You will study the relationship between organisms and diseases in humans, plants, and animals. With microscopes glued to your eyes, you will strive to recognize and identify microorganisms in water, food, and other environments.
Passionate curiosity is what probably lies at the heart of a successful researcher, topped up with a generous amount of technical and analytical skills.
As a microbiologist, you will most likely work in a lab along with a team of researchers, probing into possible ways of treating and preventing harmful illnesses.
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.
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.
EducationMicrobiologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field 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 must 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, mathematics, and computer science are important for microbiologists because they must be able 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.
TrainingMany 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 QualitiesCommunication 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 mathematics, 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.
AdvancementMicrobiologists 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 RegistrationsCertifications are available for clinical microbiologists and for those who specialize in the fields of food safety and quality and pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They may help workers gain employment in the occupation or advance to new positions of responsibility. Certifications are not mandatory for the majority of work done by microbiologists.
As you move along in your career, you may start taking on more responsibilities or notice that you've taken on a leadership role. Using our career map, a microbiologist can determine their career goals through the career progression. For example, they could start out with a role such as research associate, progress to a title such as scientist and then eventually end up with the title senior research associate.
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The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 9.2% of microbiologists listed lab equipment on their resume, but soft skills such as analytical skills and technical skills are important as well.
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use Microbiologist templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your Microbiologist resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
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Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a microbiologist. The best states for people in this position are California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Virginia. Microbiologists make the most in California with an average salary of $79,992. Whereas in Massachusetts and Vermont, they would average $76,326 and $72,774, respectively. While microbiologists would only make an average of $66,986 in Virginia, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. Massachusetts
$76,326
Avg. Salary
2. California
$79,992
Avg. Salary
3. Vermont
$72,774
Avg. Salary
2.0
2.0
Rank  | Company  | Average Salary  | Hourly Rate  | Job Openings  |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pfizer | $64,056 | $30.80 | 17 |
2 | Bristol-Myers Squibb | $64,004 | $30.77 | 14 |
3 | Advanced Testing Laboratory | $60,727 | $29.20 | 20 |
4 | Silliker, Inc. | $60,710 | $29.19 | 51 |
5 | National Institutes of Health | $60,593 | $29.13 | 11 |
6 | Eurofins | $60,577 | $29.12 | 16 |
7 | Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings | $60,342 | $29.01 | 14 |
8 | Mérieux NutriSciences | $59,782 | $28.74 | 18 |
9 | Nestlé Waters North America | $58,108 | $27.94 | 17 |
10 | Centers For Disease Control And Prevention | $57,297 | $27.55 | 59 |
No, you don't need a Ph.D. to be 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 work in universities.
To start a career in microbiology, it's important to obtain a bachelor's degree in a scientific field. Prospective microbiologists need to have laboratory experience before entering the workforce.