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Careers in the Microbiological Sciences
The following text are excerpts from Your Career in Microbiology:
Unlocking the Secrets of Life which is available from the American
Society for Microbiology, 1752 N Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-2804.
What is a Microbiologist?
Although known by many different titles, a microbiologist is a scientist
who studies living organisms and infectious agents many of whom can only be
seen with a microscope. They also study the interaction of microorganisms with
people. Everyday microbiologists around the world explore, investigate and
discover how these organisms, called microbes, exist and affect our lives.
Where Does a Microbiologist Work and With Whom?
As a microbiologist, you will work with many other scientists and have a
vast range of opportunities. Microbiologists work in almost every industry and
have many different responsibilities. The following is a partial list of
overlapping roles 'you may have. You will collaborate with many other
scientists. Depending on your specific situation, you may perform more than
one function or role.
Can I Specialize?
Microbiologists can specialize in a variety of areas. Following is a
description of many subspecialty areas in the microbiological sciences.
Bacteriologist study how bacteria infect humans, animals and plants, reproduce
and cause disease. Biochemist study how organisms derive energy, use nutrients
and reproduce. Microbial physiologist and biochemist study life processes of
microbes and how organisms use nutrients and divide. Mycologist study fungi,
molds and yeast to discover how they infect living matter, reproduce and cause
disease. Parasitologist study parasitic organisms to find out how they infect
living hosts, reproduce and cause disease. Virologist study viruses or pieces
of genetic material that are only active inside living cells.
What Kinds of Careers Paths Are There?
Depending on your experience and education, there are a number of options
and opportunities to choose from in your career as a microbiologist.
- Two-Year Technical Training Degree
One option is obtaining an associate of arts or an associate of applied
science degree, from a community college or technical institution There
are increasing opportunities for laboratory assistants and this training
will give you the necessary qualifications. The curriculum covers a two
year program and includes courses in biology, life sciences, chemistry,
physics, mathematics and computer science.
- Baccalaureate Degree
Upon graduation, your baccalaureate degree in biology or microbiology
will help you qualify for many technical, research environmental and
clinical positions. These include:
- Research assistant - A key player to research teams, providing
technical support to conduct research. A research assistant
participates in a team with a director and scientists as well as
marketing, administrative and sales professionals.
- Food, industrial or environmental microbiologists, quality assurance
technologists - Identifies disease or harmful causing microorganisms
in water, food, dairy, pharmaceutical and environmental products. In
addition, they check for the quality and safety of vitamins, vaccines,
antibiotics, antiseptics and disinfectants.
- Clinical and veterinary microbiologists, medical technologists -
Identifies disease causing microorganisms in humans and animals.
- Masters Degree
A masters degree will broaden your career choices in marketing, sales,
administrative, teaching and technical support positions. Opportunities
include:
- Supervisor or laboratory manager - Supervises day to day activities
in a variety of laboratories.
- Research manager or associate - Performs experiments and provides
technical support to research teams.
- Instructor - Teaches courses at the community and junior college
levels.
- Doctoral Degree (or equivalent)
A Ph.D. or M.D. is almost always required for higher level positions in
microbiology and other sciences. Achieving your doctoral degree will
greatly enhance your opportunities. You will be able to perform
independent research, teach undergraduate and graduate students and assume
executive level responsibilities in government and industry.
Specific jobs
include:
- Scientist - Formulates hypotheses for experimental investigation,
conducts research and trains students and laboratory personnel.
- University or college professor - Teaches in the classroom or
laboratory, trains students, conducts research and performs community
service.
- Academic science administrator - Serves as college or university
dean or in other administrative positions such as vice president or
president.
- Research director - Leads research team that explores and tries to
understand unanswered questions and unproven theories.
- Corporate executive - Oversees part or all of a company such as a
biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agricultural or environmental firm.
- Consultant - Advises and reports information to organizations such
as businesses or government agencies.
- Science advisor or administrator - Leads programs concerned with
safety of new devices, food, drugs and chemicals and helps influence
laws, regulations and research for government agencies.
Combining a Science Education with Another Discipline
You may choose to combine your undergraduate degree in a science related
field with a graduate degree in another area such as business, marketing or
journalism. This will enable you to pursue opportunities in scientific sales,
technical support, writing, public relations, communications, regulatory
affairs or management. Completing a bachelors degree in microbiology also
gives you the necessary foundation to continue an education in the medical,
veterinary, dental or legal fields.
How Much Does a Microbiologist Make?
Salaries among microbiologists vary a great deal depending on education,
experience, type of job and education. The following information provides a
general guide to what you could expect to earn given the indicated educational
level of achievement and type of company or institution. The lower end of the
salary scales represents salaries for people starting a career in microbiology
and the higher end represents a microbiologist with many years of experience.
- Educational Institution
- Doctorate $30,000- $200,000+
Masters $20,000- $60,000+
Baccalaureate $16,000- $ 30,000+
- Industry
- Doctorate $35,000- $200,000+
Masters $25,000- $80,000+
Baccalaureate $18,000- $50,000+
- Public Sector Government
- Doctorate $35,000- $100,000+
Masters $25,000- $60,000+
Baccalaureate $17,000- $40,000+
How Can I Prepare to Become a Microbiologist?
In your quest to become a microbiologist, you must build a solid foundation
with emphasis in reading, writing, mathematics, computer science and
communication.
As a microbiologist, you will probably specialize in one area.
In order to do that, however, you will need to be familiar with many
scientific disciplines. Your course work in high school provides a basic
foundation. Four years of college gives breadth to that knowledge and
post-graduate studies enable you to probe into your selected area.
Here are
specific actions you can take as you continue your education:
- High School
Your course work should include biology, chemistry, physics, computer
science and mathematics. English courses are also important because
microbiologists spend much of their time communicating results through
speeches, articles and manuscripts. And, foreign languages are critical
for exchanging information with scientists around the world.
You should participate in extracurricular activities such as science
fairs and clubs. If possible, work in a research laboratory of a
university or science related company part-time or during the summers.
These activities provide valuable insight and actual experience in a
scientific environment.
- Undergraduate
As an undergraduate, if there is no microbiological sciences degree
available, you should major in biological or life sciences, or chemistry
and take all offered courses in microbiology. These could include general
microbiology, microbial genetics, cell biology, immunology, virology,
pathogenic microbiology, and environmental microbiology. Your other course
work should include qualitative and quantitative chemistry, organic and
biochemistry, calculus, physics, computer science, statistics and English.
It is extremely important to have a multidisciplinary foundation in order
to increase your options and obtain the qualifications for many
microbiology careers.
To receive the greatest benefit of your undergraduate program, work in
a laboratory and participate in extracurricular programs such as
microbiology or biology clubs and honor societies. Join local and national
scientific professional societies and take advantage of student events. If
these kinds of opportunities are unavailable, ask your departmental
chairperson to charter these organizations on your campus. To develop
necessary hind-eye coordination and group interaction skills, participate
in activities that develop manipulative, precision and team building
skills.
For more information, contact:
- Career Information
Office of Education and Training
1752 N Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-2804
Information from: http://www.asmusa.org/edusrc/edu21.htm
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