Introduction
The microbiologist is a scientist who studies living microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.). He can practice in multiple sectors of activity. Observation and research are at the heart of the microbiologist’s job.
In addition, a microbiologist is a doctor who, using a conventional or electron microscope, studies microbiological processes.
In microbiology, there are several branches namely bacteriology, mycology, phycology, parasitology, virology, etc.
The microbiologist analyzes the functioning of living organisms of microscopic size and also studies their interactions with the environment.
He often specializes in one area.
Bacteriologist or virologist seeks to identify bacteria or viruses causing diseases. It also isolates the micro-organisms already identified to reduce their harmful effects and participates in the development of vaccines and antibiotics.
Responsibilities
- Carries out analytical and experimental work in the laboratory conditioned by the sector in which he practices.
- Identifies and quantifies micro-organisms
- Studies the function of microorganisms and also their interaction with their environment
- business description
- The microbiologist studies microscopic living organisms
- Analyzes the beneficial and also harmful effects of microorganisms
- Develops products to reduce their harmfulness
- Participates in clinical studies
- Checks the quality or the standards of certain food products
- Develops new industrial processes/products/drugs/vaccines from microorganisms
- Microbiologists also analyze and publishes the results of their research
- Identifies the microorganisms responsible for various diseases to find remedies to cure them
- Sampling material for research
- Bacterial diagnosis of pathogens
- Diagnostics of intravital biopsies, lesions
- Work with test cultures of microorganisms
- Taking swabs from the hands of medical personnel, catering workers, and also clinic employees in the event of nosocomial infections.
- Specializing in biotechnology, he uses micro-organisms to treat atmospheric pollution
- He can also look for the natural enemies of certain parasites to develop treatments that avoid the use of pesticides.
Education
Graduate from a university or college with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. In this case, the holder of the degree will be engaged exclusively in scientific activity in this field. He will be indirectly connected with medicine, and certification will be carried out according to the rules that exist in the higher education system. A Ph.D. is, however, required to work as a researcher.
Salary
The general income range is as follows: microbiologists earn from $45,690 to $156,360 per annum. The average salary of a microbiologist is about $84,400 per annum.
Job Opportunities
The microbiologist is specialized in a sector of activity. He can work in public research and also in analysis labs. He works in a very wide variety of sectors including
- Health
- Pharmacy
- Cosmetics
- Food and agri-food
- Collective catering
- Environmental microbiology (water, soil, air)
- Marine microbiology
- Industrial biotechnology (production of molecules)
- Health control services
Work Environment
He generally works in a team with other researchers, engineers, or doctoral students. To assist him, he is assisted by technicians in biology or microbiology.
The microbiologist works in the laboratories of public bodies, in fundamental or applied research (hospitals, universities, research institutes, etc.). In this context, he often works on long-term issues.
His research is also of interest to research and development laboratories in bio-industries and biotechnology companies.
Skills and Qualities
The microbiologist has the scientific knowledge and also advanced know-how in his or her area of expertise.
His work requires rigor, meticulousness, and mastery of technical English. He must also have a sharp sense of analysis and experimentation.
Career developments
Microbiology concerns several sectors of activity, namely medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, industry, collective catering, the environment, and also agriculture.
The microbiologist can practice in one of his fields in the public sector or the private sector, in R&D laboratories, and also in analysis laboratories.
In addition, he works most of the time in harmony in a team composed of researchers and engineers. He has the possibility of progressing to positions of laboratory director or research unit.
Specializations
- Microbiology technologist – creates beneficial microorganisms that enrich food products and also medicines
- Sanitary microbiologist – responsible for the state of the hospital environment
- Pharmaceutical microbiologist – develops drugs with minimal side effects
- Transplant microbiologists – together with an immunologist, participate in the creation of drugs that suppress the reaction of tissue rejection;
- Infection microbiologist – develops schemes for the treatment of infections, including especially dangerous ones;
- Microbiologist of space medicine – creates food and also medicines for astronauts;
- Veterinary microbiologist – develops schemes for the treatment and also diagnosis of animal diseases.
