Careers in microbiology

THE WORLD IS FULL OF LIVING THINGS so small that most of us will never see them. Yet these invisible organisms have significant effects on human life – some good, some bad. Some microorganisms can cause infections that pose serious health risks, and left unchecked can grow into a plague. Other kinds of microorganisms are beneficial, and can fight infection or “eat” toxic waste. Microbiologists are the scientists who study these microscopic life forms, and their interactions with people, plants, animals, and the environment. This is a fascinating career, but it is not for “germophobes.” That is because microbiologists deal with life forms most of us would rather not see: viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.

Every day, microbiologists are traveling to all corners of the earth and beyond to discover strange, new forms of life that no one even knew existed. Their job is to identify microbes, determine whether they can help or hurt us, and develop ways to either utilize them for our benefit or combat them for our protection. Microbiologists work in almost every industry from agriculture, oil, and pollution control, to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. They work for government agencies, academic institutions, corporations, technology firms, and industrial and environmental organizations. Most work in sterile research labs or hospitals, but some, like environmental microbiologists spend their time outdoors, slopping through muck and mud to get samples and conduct field experiments.

The education required to work as a microbiologist depends upon the position you are aiming for. Some microbiology laboratory technician jobs, particularly in medical laboratories, are open to individuals with a high school diploma or an associate degree. But generally, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to enter the field, and top research positions and jobs at colleges and universities often require a graduate degree, either a master’s or doctoral. For those who have obtained a solid education, the job outlook is terrific.

The need for qualified microbiologists is growing at an accelerated pace, both for basic research and practical applications. No one knows how many microbes are yet to be discovered. More importantly, microbiologists are still learning how the known microbes function and how they can be utilized for the benefit of society. As a result, the field of microbiology has unlimited employment potential. The field of microbiology is loaded with attractive features. The pay is good, with the potential to earn over $100,000 a year.

There are so many more reasons to consider this career. Microbiologists are paid to discover things in a world most people will never see, and unlock some of nature’s best-held secrets. They get to travel the world, enjoy prestige among their colleagues, and have a newly discovered species named after them. It is a field that is wide open, and there is no better time to take a look at the amazing work you could be doing.