Microbiologists :: Job Description

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Microbiologists

Careers / Microbiologists

Summary Description


	Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Bacteriologist

2.	Cell Biologist

3.	Chemist

4.	Clinical Laboratory Scientist

5.	Clinical Microbiologist

6.	Cytologist

7.	Electron Microscopist

8.	Genetic Scientist

9.	Medical Laboratory Technician

10.	Medical Microbiologist

11.	Medical Technologist

12.	Microbiological Analyst

13.	Microbiological Laboratory Technician

14.	Microbiologist

15.	Microbiology Laboratory Manager

16.	Microscopist

17.	Physical Scientist

18.	Professor of Microbiology

19.	Public Health Microbiologist

20.	Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist)

21.	Study Director

22.	Virologist

Job Tasks

	Isolate and make cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.

	Provide laboratory services for health departments, for community environmental health programs and for physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.

	Perform tests on water, food and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms and to obtain information about sources of pollution and contamination.

	Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.

	Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.

	Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

	Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.

	Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.

	Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.

	Study the structure and function of human, animal and plant tissues, cells, pathogens and toxins.

	Use a variety of specialized equipment such as electron microscopes, gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters and phosphoimagers.

	Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.

	Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		collect scientific or technical data

		collect academic research data

		collect statistical data

		research human or animal disease

		study development of plants, animals, or microscopic organisms

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.


		record test results, test procedures, or inspection data

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		understand properties or composition of drugs

		understand pharmaceutical formulas

		recognize plant diseases

		recognize tree or forest plant species

		isolate and identify micro-organisms

		examine biological or other material specimens under microscope

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.


		cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use chemical testing or analysis procedures

		use hazardous materials information

		use health or sanitation standards

		follow infectious materials procedures

		use nutrition research techniques

		use plant disease control techniques

		use pollution control techniques

		use scientific research methodology

		follow safe waste disposal procedures

		use teaching techniques

		follow microbiology procedures

		use biological research techniques

		use knowledge of investigation techniques

		use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems

		use project management techniques

		use quantitative research methods

		use library or online Internet research techniques

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.


		confer with research personnel

		confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		resolve agricultural production problems

		make decisions

		resolve engineering or science problems

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.


		analyze biological research, test, or analysis data

		analyze scientific research data or investigative findings

		conduct field research or investigative studies

		conduct laboratory research or experiments

		conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses

		conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses

		analyze ecosystem data

		perform statistical analysis

		forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data

		conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds

		use statistics in food research

		identify nutritional value of foods

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.


		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use relational database software

		use spreadsheet software

		use word processing or desktop publishing software

		develop or maintain databases

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		develop tables depicting data

		classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.


		explain complex mathematical information

		write scholarly or technical research papers

		explain genetic data

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.


		plan scientific research or investigative studies

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		use biological testing instruments

		use microscope

		use laboratory equipment

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.


		communicate technical information

		make presentations

		confer with scientists

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.


		develop new products based on scientific research results

		develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.


		write research or project grant proposals

		write business project or bid proposals

		develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards

		develop plans for programs or projects

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.


		advise clients or customers

		recommend further study or action based on research data

		prepare recommendations based upon research

		advise governmental or industrial personnel

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


		direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies

		direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff

		direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		maintain records, reports, or files

		prepare reports

		prepare technical reports or related documentation

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums

		prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy

		prepare biological specimens for examination

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Biological Scientists
	Biological scientists study living organisms and their relationship to their environment. They research problems dealing with life processes and living organisms. Most specialize in some area of biology, such as zoology (the study of animals) or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms). (Medical scientists, whose work is closely related to that of biological scientists, are discussed elsewhere.)

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Biological Scientists
	Biological scientists usually work regular hours in offices or laboratories and usually are not exposed to unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Those who work with dangerous organisms or toxic substances in the laboratory must follow strict safety procedures to avoid contamination. Many biological scientists such as botanists, ecologists, and zoologists take field trips that involve strenuous physical activity and primitive living conditions. Biological scientists in the field may work in warm or cold climates, in all kinds of weather. In their research, they may dig, chip with a hammer, scoop with a net, and carry equipment in a backpack. They also may climb, stand, kneel, or dive.

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Before becoming an actor, Bob Newhart worked as an accountant.

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