Because microorganisms are everywhere, those who choose to study microbiology can work in a variety of different fields. While many options are available to students, some require more schooling or training than others. This list can help you get started planning your future schooling and career, but most importantly, it helps you find a job you are passionate about.
Entry-Level Positions
Graduates have many opportunities to work right out of college in various entry-level microbiology roles, including labs, research, public health, and quality control. Here are some job ideas to get you started:
- Environmental Microbiologist (Assistant/Technician): Do you love nature and the environment? Then this might be the career for you! Environmental microbiology is the study of microorganisms and their effects on the environment and climate processes. Researchers also see how microorganisms can be used to break down pollutants, clean up waste, and produce bioenergy. An environmental microbiologist can complete several tasks, such as collecting air, water, and soil samples, analyzing microbial data, and testing for microbial contamination.
- Food Microbiologist: A food microbiologist studies microorganisms in food. They research how these organisms affect food not only to ensure food safety but also to cultivate good bacteria. Think of it as a balancing act, protecting people from getting sick while also understanding how microorganisms benefit food (like yogurt and bread). As a food microbiologist, you have many tasks, such as collecting and testing food samples, running microbiological assays to detect contamination, and ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA, and HACCP standards.
- Bioprocess Technician: Bioprocess technicians are innovators! They use their knowledge of microbiology to produce biological products that people need, like vaccines, enzymes, and biofuels. Technicians grow and maintain microorganisms and cells, and since these organisms grow in specific environments, they must be kept under carefully controlled conditions. A bioprocess technician ensures the right conditions for cell growth and monitors microorganisms, as well as keeping the lab clean and well-maintained.
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist: Although clinical laboratory technologists work behind the scenes, they are critical to helping patients discover and address the source of their pain by providing data and lab results. Clinical laboratory technologists analyze body samples like blood, tissue, and urine to help doctors diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases. Daily tasks include preparing and analyzing specimens, interpreting test results, and flagging abnormal findings.
Note: While you do not need further education to be a clinical laboratory technologist, you do need to become certified through an accredited program and complete an internship or training program.
- Science Communicator: Just like the name suggests, a science communicator translates complex research to non-experts, such as the public, policymakers, and even scientists in other fields. Science communicators understand technical research and translate it into information that people can understand. They help those who don’t understand the raw data make informed decisions and learn more about developments in the world of science. The job might include interviewing scientists and learning about their research, and writing and editing projects like science articles, press releases, and educational materials.
Jobs That Require Further Schooling
Want to go the extra mile in your career, or want to specialize in a unique facet of microbiology? Here are some careers that encourage or require further education:
- Public Health Microbiologist: This job focuses on looking at the big picture in regard to health. A public health microbiologist detects, identifies, and tracks microorganisms that can affect the health of a community or population, not just an individual patient. Some typical duties might be testing clinical and environmental samples for pathogens and conducting epidemiological investigations to track the source of outbreaks.
- Microbial Geneticist: Microbial geneticists study the genes, genomes, and genetic behavior of microorganisms. They explore everything from how microbes interact with their environment to how they mutate and evolve. Researchers also study the benefits of these little creatures, studying how they can be genetically modified to help fight diseases and solve environmental problems. Other aspects of the job are engineering microbes to express new genes or delete unwanted ones, maintaining microbial cultures, and presenting findings and collaborating with other scientists.
- Research Scientist: The biggest questions that drive research scientists are why and how. Their love of curiosity leads to new discoveries and advancements that are hugely beneficial to society, such as developing vaccines, sustainable biofuels, and engineering microbes. They must also be highly neat and efficient, keeping their research projects safe and uncontaminated. Tasks might include developing or optimizing lab methods, writing research papers and presenting research findings at events.
- Microbiology Professor: Want to share your love of microbiology? Being a professor is one of the best ways to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science. Not only do professors facilitate learning and discovery with their students, but they can also conduct research, supervise student lab work, and publish scientific papers.
- Biotechnology Lawyer: If you are interested in the legal aspects of science, biotechnology law might be for you. Lawyers in this field specialize in legal issues involving biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, genetics, and medical research. This can include a wide range of cases, such as securing or defending patents, drafting and reviewing corporate collaboration agreements, making sure companies are following federal laws, like the FDA and CDC regulations, and defending data privacy in genetic testing (HIPAA).
Unlimited Opportunities
With a degree in microbiology, every job gives you the opportunity to do something incredibly meaningful. Whether you are helping an individual or an entire population, lives are changed because of microbiology.
Citations:
National Library of Medicine (PMC) — Microbiology Research Article
University of Massachusetts Amherst — Microbiology: Now What?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Microbiologists
Microbiology Society — Why Microbiology Matters