Microbiologist
What is the work like?
Microbiologists study micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae, by performing experiments in laboratories.
As a clinical microbiologist in a healthcare setting, you would aim to identify diseases and protect the community from the spread of infection. Alternatively, you could work in research and development for the pharmaceutical and food industries, in agriculture, the environment or in education.
Your work might involve:
- monitoring, identifying and helping to control infectious diseases
- using molecular biology techniques to develop and test new medicines and treatments for disease
- investigating the potential of micro-organisms to produce antibodies, vaccines, hormones and other products
- developing enzymes for use in food production, crop protection and soil fertility
- monitoring the quality and safety of manufactured food products
- using micro-organisms to control pollution and break down toxic substances
- creating ways to dispose of waste safely.
Your duties would often include presenting the findings of your research, supervising the work of support staff and carrying out administrative work. If you worked as a researcher and lecturer in a university or teaching hospital, you would also be involved in tutoring, mentoring and supervising students.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be a microbiologist you will usually need a good degree in a relevant subject such as microbiology, biology, or another biological science with a strong focus on microbiology. Some employers may also prefer you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification and some work experience.
To get onto a degree in microbiology you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including science, English and maths, plus at least two A levels including biology and preferably chemistry. Please check with course providers because alternative qualifications may also be accepted, and some run foundation or bridging courses for students without a science background.
Increasingly, you will also need work experience before applying for your first job. You may be able to get this from a work placement as part of a sandwich degree course, or from work experience with companies. Your university or local hospital trust may be able to give you further advice about voluntary work opportunities. You could also check the Society for General Microbiology (SGM) and Society for Applied Microbiology (SFAM) for details of summer working schemes.
It is also possible to get into microbiology by working your way up from laboratory technician to microbiologist. This would involve studying part-time for a relevant degree.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a microbiologist you will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer in areas such as lab techniques and technology, and management/supervisory skills. Some employers may also encourage you to study for a postgraduate qualification or membership of a professional body, such as the Society of General Microbiology (this would also help you with professional development).
As a microbiologist in the NHS, you would start in a trainee clinical scientist post. You would spend up to three years on a structured training programme and work towards an MSc in Microbiology. To qualify as a clinical scientist (specialising in microbiology) you need a further two years' experience in the lab before you can apply for the Association of Clinical Scientists Certificate of Attainment. Once you have the Certificate, you can apply for state registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
See the HPC and Association of Clinical Scientists' websites for further details of approved courses and state registration, and see the Clinical Scientist job profile for more information on other areas of clinical science.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
London
SE1 2TU
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
130-132 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2TU
Tel: 020 7940 8960
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be between £19,000 and £25,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to around £31,000.
- Team managers can earn £36,500.
- Consultants can earn up to around £61,000.
Salaries may be higher in the private sector.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. For some jobs you may need to work an on-call rota.
Much of your work will take place in a laboratory, and you would wear protective clothing to prevent contamination.
There may be some travel involved in your work, for example, to attend scientific meetings and conferences.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a keen interest in science and the ability to keep up with the latest developments
- an enquiring mind
- clear and logical thinking
- good problem-solving skills
- high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
- good team working skills
- the ability to lead a team
- excellent spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to work with statistics and relevant computer packages.
What opportunities are there?
In the NHS, you could work in the diagnostic and pathology departments of larger hospitals and medical schools. You could also work with the Health Protection Agency's Centre for Infections.
You may also find work in universities, industrial research and development, scientific analysis and investigation, medical and technical writing, and government agencies such as the Food Standards Agency or the Health and Safety Executive.
Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, in scientific journals and by specialist recruitment agencies.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
NHS Jobs
New Scientist
Nature
EMed Careers
Jobs In Science
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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