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Microbiologists

Also called: Bacteriologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist)

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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.
  • Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
  • Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • biology
  • chemistry
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
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
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • 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 5 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
certificate after college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Find Licenses Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$79,260
$47,630
$136,780
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about microbiologists.