Microbiologists
Microbiologists 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.
Jobs for microbiologist in food industry involve responsibilities of cultivating micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations, preparing biological samples for testing or analysis, research in microbiological or chemical processes or structures, analysing biological samples and classifying organisms based on their characteristics or behaviour.
How to become a microbiologist? To become a molecular biologist, one must earn a degree in biology or a related field such as biochemistry or biophysics. A candidate can further pursue a master’s and doctoral degree combined with some form of research and participation in scientific conferences and meetings.
Molecular biologists can lead to varied career opportunities and microbiology job roles as research laboratory technician, quality control analyst, clinical microbiologist or immunologist, food or dairy microbiologist, environmental microbiologist, recombinant DNA technologist, fermentation technologist or a research scientist.
The basic skills required to become a successful and earn a seven-figure microbiologist salary are interpersonal, analytical, mathematical, speaking and writing expertise, and being detail-oriented. Aspiring microbiologists must be proficient at all fundamentals. They should have lab experience and postdoctoral research work required for advanced research positions.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Microbiology
- M.Sc. Microbiology
- B.Voc Industrial Microbiology
- B.Sc. Industrial Microbiology
- B.Sc. Zoology
Tasks
- 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.
- Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
- Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
- 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.
- Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.
Progression Routes
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