Overview and Key Facts
Education
Master's degree
Median Pay
$75,650
Job Growth
3.10%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2029
20,900
What Do They Do?
A microbiologist could...
Engineer a new strain of bacteria, used to make a tastier, healthier yogurt.
Figure out how to prevent food from molding quickly.
Develop an acne medication that kills pimple-causing bacteria.
Identify the virus responsible for a pandemic.
Overview
Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi) are the most common life-forms on Earth. They help us digest nutrients; make foods like yogurt, bread, and olives; and create antibiotics. Some microbes also cause diseases. Microbiologists study the growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of microorganisms to promote health, industry, and a basic understanding of cellular functions.
Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Microbiologist?
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Science:
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Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Writing:
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Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Reading Comprehension:
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Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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Active Listening:
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Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking:
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Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Speaking:
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Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Learning:
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Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Judgment and Decision Making:
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Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Monitoring:
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Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Learning Strategies:
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Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Core Tasks
Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Microbiologist might do:
- 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.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- 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.
- Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
Salary & Job Openings
Steps to Get There: Becoming a Microbiologist
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