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
Listen to this section
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.
Microbiologist
Watch this Extremophile Hunter video from Science Nation to see how microbiologists are learning more about Earth's microbes in the hopes of understanding what extraterrestrial life might look like.
If there is life on other planets it may have to survive some pretty extreme conditions. But some microbes here on Earth are capable of that—they've been found in hydrothermal vents, the extreme cold of Antarctica, and among harsh chemicals.
Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Microbiologist?
Science:?Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Writing:?Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension:?Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening:?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.
Critical Thinking:?Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking:?Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning:?Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making:?Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring:?Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Learning Strategies:?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.
Tasks 1/3
Salary & Job Openings
Steps to Get There: Becoming a Microbiologist
Try it Out with an Activity or Project
On the Job
More Information
Please create a free account to view this career and access our full library of over 160 STEM careers.
With a free account you will have access to our full library of over 160 STEM careers. Each career profile includes detailed information to help you learn about a career and the requirements to get there. You can explore:
salary information by state
recommended high school coursework
fun projects and activities to test out a career
videos and interviews with professionals in the field