Microbiologist

Also known as:

Biologist - Microbiologist

Introduction

Microbiologists study the biology and chemistry of micro-organisms, eg bacteria, viruses and fungi. They are usually based in a laboratory, and use their research in agriculture, food production, medicine and pharmaceuticals, or to protect the environment.

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Work Activities

Microbiologists study life forms like protozoa, bacteria and viruses that are too small to be seen without using a microscope. These organisms are known as microbes or micro-organisms. Some microbes cause disease but most are harmless, and some can be used to benefit humans.

Microbiologists deal with both types of microbe in the water industry. Harmful microbes are present in waste water and sewage, but other microbes can be used to clean the water.

Other microbiologists work in research laboratories, investigating conditions like AIDS or malaria. They study the structure of microbes, how they reproduce and grow, and the chemical reactions within them.

Microbiologists develop drugs and vaccines. Their studies can take years and involve many changes to tests and experiments. Developing products to deal with microbes that are resistant to antibiotics is increasingly important.

In hospitals, they may find the microbes responsible for a patient's illness. They take a sample of cells from the patient and grow these in a special dish, uncontaminated by any other microbes. The results can help doctors to diagnose and treat illness.

Similar work is carried out in units of the Health Protection Agency (HPA). This operates all over the country to produce a national picture of the spread of infectious diseases. Microbiologists working in the HPA test food and drink to make sure products are safe. HPA microbiologists find the sources of food poisoning by testing food from factories or restaurants.

In the pharmaceutical and biochemical industries, microbiologists research, produce and test products like antiseptics, disinfectants, cosmetics, vitamins, antibiotics and vaccines.

In food and drinks companies, microbiologists improve existing products and develop new ones. The process of making beer, wine, bread and yogurt involves micro-organisms. The microbiologist makes sure hygiene standards are maintained and checks the safety of food. They may look for ways to dispose of, or recycle waste safely and economically.

Microbiologists use genetically modified microbes to control pests and diseases in crops.

Microbiologists also play an important role in molecular biology and genetic engineering. These techniques can be used to change a microbe so that it works more effectively, or makes a useful product. For example, insulin, which is lacking in people who have diabetes, has been made from genetically engineered bacteria.

Microbiologists have an increasingly important role in protecting the environment by using enzymes to deal with waste and factory pollution.

Microbiologists can specialise for example in virology, mycology (study of fungi) and bacteriology.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Microbiologists should have a strong interest in science and have good skills in biology, chemistry and maths.

As a microbiologist, you will need the ability to plan and do practical experiments, using technical equipment and computers.

You will need a logical approach to problem solving, and must be accurate, methodical and patient. Good written and oral communication skills are needed to present your findings clearly, and work as part of a team.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for microbiologists vary.

The pay rates given below are proximate.

Microbiologists earn in the range of £18,000 - £24,000 a year, rising to £30,000 - £35,000. Higher earners can make around £47,000 a year.

In the National Health Service (NHS), a microbiologist working as a biomedical scientist would probably start on Band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 2008 this has been £20,225 - £26,123 a year.

Microbiologists usually work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, in some posts, such as hospital laboratories, early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work may be required.

Most microbiologists work in laboratories. They work in universities, hospital laboratories, medical schools, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies and veterinary research stations.

Some microbiologists use their skills in related jobs outside the laboratory, for example, technical support, scientific sales and publishing.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills through working as laboratory technicians, or through industrial work placements.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

• 9% of people in occupations such as microbiology work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.
• 13% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.