Microbiologists

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Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist

What they do:
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
On the job, you would:
  • Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
  • Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.

Knowledge

Math and Science

  • biology
  • chemistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Skills

Basic Skills

  • using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by writing

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • group things in different ways

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns
  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database management software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology In Demand

Analytical or scientific software

  • BD Biosciences CellQuest
  • Verity Software House ModFit LT

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
master's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about microbiologists.