THE JOB

MICROBIOLOGISTS study the growth, characteristics, and effects of bacteria and other micro-organisms to better understand their relation to human, plant, and animal health. In addition, they investigate how these microorganisms function in the production of vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, alcohols, and sugars. 

The result of such research, and the specific kinds of methodologies and techniques Microbiologists develop, are applied in medical, agricultural, industrial, sanitary, and other scientific fields. The nature of the work may vary considerably with the assignments. 

Some Microbiologists deal with specific kinds of microorganisms such as fungi, algae, viruses, and microparasites. Others are concerned with specific fields or areas of work such as immunology, serology, virology, physiology, genetics, taxonomy, and cytology as these fields relate to microbiology. Microbiologists use electron microscopes and other complex laboratory equipment in their work. 

They may also use computers in conducting experiments. Some Microbiologists train and supervise other personnel, keep records, and prepare reports. 

The majority of microbiologists are classified by the specific activity they perform. Medical or Veterinary Microbiologists work cooperatively with physicians, dentists, and medical researchers to study the interactions between microorganisms and humans to determine how and why diseases occur. 

Clinical Microbiologists perform laboratory tests to provide physicians with information needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Experienced Clinical Microbiologists serve as consultants on diagnosis and technical problems. Clinical Microbiologists are usually employed by hospitals and private clinical laboratories.

Certified Public Health Microbiologists provide laboratory services for local health departments and community environmental health programs. They are primarily concerned with the control of communicable diseases and other health hazards in the community. This includes isolation and identification of microorganisms in specimens from patients as well as from water supplies, food, and milk. 

Environmental Microbiologists are generally involved in testing water in lakes and streams for biological and chemical pollutants and with inspecting food and water in processing plants. They also try to control the spread of infectious agents by insects, rodents, and wildlife.

Industrial Microbiologists are concerned with the development of new products and the monitoring of established processes for microbial content. They also teach and develop new methods of preservation for food and pharmaceutical supplies. They may help set quality standards for these products. These professionals may also tend strains of microorganisms which produce alternate sources of energy. Researchers trained in molecular biology investigate genetics and biochemical techniques for creating microorganisms with desired characteristics. 

Biotechnology is used to advance knowledge of cell reproduction and human disease. Agricultural Microbiologists work with the effect of microorganisms on soil and agricultural products and the use of microorganisms as agents of insect control. These scientists are concerned with methods to combat crop damage and increase crop yield. They also investigate the nutritional role played by microorganisms found in cattle, sheep, and other ruminants.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Microbiologists perform most of their work in sterile, comfortable laboratories and offices. Research work done in the field may be performed in varied environments and under any weather condition. Travel may be necessary. Normal color vision and corrected vision is essential for extensive use of microscopes. Precautions must be taken in handling potent chemicals, animals, or disease-producing organisms. However, risks are minimized by using protective clothing, immunization, and adherence to safety rules and regulations. Microbiologists may become members of the American Society for Microbiology. Some belong to associations directly related to their industries or specialties.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK 

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Biological Scientists which includes Microbiologists. Estimated number of workers in 1990 7,300 Estimated number of workers in 2005 9,120 Projected Growth 1990-2005 25% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 3,740 (These figures do not include all-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 

Since microbiology is one of the most rapidly developing biological sciences, opportunities for qualified workers in this field should continue to be favorable through the end of the 1990s. Many factors will continue to contribute to the demand for Microbiologists. 

Some of these are continuous growth in the population and increases in potential health hazards; additional waste water plants and the need for more efficient methods of waste water disposal treatment; increased dependence on products of microbiological research; manned space exploration and experimentation; and expansions in the nuclear and chemical industries. Health, food, ecology or environment, energy, and industrial processes are areas that indicate great expansion.

Advances in these areas will result in the need for trained Microbiologists in industry, government, universities, and hospitals. In addition to the new jobs that will become available, more opportunities are expected for the replacement of those who leave the labor market. 

Government budget cuts and a recessive economy could, however, influence the allocation of money toward new research and development efforts. Applicants competing for public health and clinical laboratory traineeships might find competition keen. However, certified and licensed Microbiologists with specialized training and advanced degrees for clinical or diagnostic microbiology will be most in demand.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS 

Salaries for Microbiologists are influenced by training, experience, type of employment, responsibilities, and special requirements of the job. Industrial and governmental laboratories pay more than colleges or universities. Salaries for holders of bachelor's degrees range from about $2,700 to $4,700 monthly. 

Salaries for experienced and supervisory personnel may range from $2,700 to $5,300. Microbiologists with graduate degrees earn salaries that can range from over $2,000 to over $5,200 per month. Fringe benefits include paid vacations, sick leave, and health and retirement plans. Microbiologists normally work an eight hour a day, 40-hours a week. 

Public health and hospital laboratories require overtime and occasional weekend work. Hospital and laboratories usually rotate their shifts. Weekend work and long hours may also be necessary during critical periods in the food and wine industries. University and college faculty may work only the number of months required by their contract.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING 

The minimum educational requirement for beginning jobs is a baccalaureate degree. A master's degree or doctorate degree is necessary for college teaching, independent research, and administrative jobs. The level of responsibility and type of work performed determines the degree required. 

Public Health Microbiologists who work for the State of California or in local public health laboratories must posses a valid Public Health Microbiologist Certificate and a Clinical Laboratory Technologist's License issued by the State Department of Health of Services. 

Those who test milk must obtain a Proficiency Certificate from the Department of Agriculture. A combination of academic course work and suitable experience in a clinical laboratory is required for an individual to qualify for a license. The usual pattern is a degree in one of the clinical laboratory sciences and one year of supervised training or internship in a clinical laboratory. 

A person qualified academically but without training or experience is eligible for a trainee license. Certification is granted to those who achieve a passing grade on written and oral examinations given by the State Department of Health. Candidates for certification as a public health Microbiologists must have a valid Clinical Laboratory License as a prerequisite for admission to the examination. 

Non-licensed or non-certified personnel may work in federally funded nonprofit laboratories, academic institutions engaged in teaching or research, California licensed community clinics, private physicians' offices, and some departments of state government.

ADVANCEMENT

Microbiologists may begin as trainees and advance to positions of greater responsibility as they acquire more experience and education and the required license and certificate. Promotions in public agencies are competitive and follow civil service procedures. A doctorate degree is required to become director of clinical and public health laboratories. In private industry, Microbiologists advance from laboratory worker to head of quality control, research, or production.

FINDING THE JOB

Applicants can apply directly to government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research and testing laboratories.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

For information on certification and licensing requirements, contact: 

California Department of Health Services Laboratory Field Services Section 
2151 Berkeley Way Berkeley, CA 94704 
(510) 540-2488 

The American Society for Microbiology 
1325 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 
(202) 737-3600 

The Institute of Food Technologists 
221 North LaSalle Street, Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60601 
(312) 782-8424

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES 

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists No. 17 

Enologists (Wine Maker) No. 257 

Environmental Health Specialists No. 347 

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) 

Microbiologist 041.061-058 

Health Microbiologist 041.261-010 

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Biological Scientists 243080

Information from: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/microbio.htm