Microbiologist

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  Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

Microbiologist

Also Called: Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Public Health Microbiologist, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist), Research Microbiologist, Research Specialist, Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Microbiologist, Medical Technologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Public Health Microbiologist, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist), Research Microbiologist, Research Specialist

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.

$49,070
Starting Salary (2023)
$85,470
Median Salary (2023)
5.2%
Projected Job Growth
21,540
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
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.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Dependability
Cooperation
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Science
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Active Learning

Expected Knowledge

Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

More Info

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