Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae and protozoa. They focus on the biology of microorganisms at both the molecular and cellular level, as well as their ecology. They also study many important practical problems in medicine, agriculture and industry, looking at how microorganisms affect us and how we can exploit them. Microorganisms affect every aspect of life on earth and, consequently, microbiologists work in a wide variety of settings, although the majority of work is laboratory-based.
Microbiology is a vast subject which overlaps with other areas of life sciences, such as molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry. Specialist areas include basic research, medicine, healthcare and food. Microbiologists can also work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, toiletries and biotechnology, as well as in agriculture, the environment and in university teaching.
Depending on the specialist area, the work of a microbiologist can vary but tasks generally include:
Microbiologists may also undertake activities in the office, and elsewhere, depending on the field in which they work, which may include:
Entry generally requires a degree in a relevant subject, for example:
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) provides a list of first degree courses in microbiology. Courses such as biological sciences or applied biology provide a wide-ranging background prior to having to make choices about specialist areas.
The Higher Education Academy Microbiology Subject Profile provides an overview of the provision of undergraduate and taught postgraduate microbiology programmes in higher education in the UK.
There are two main scientific occupations where microbiologists (who are not medically qualified) can work in a clinical setting: as a biomedical scientist and as a clinical scientist (or, in this specific context, a clinical microbiologist).
A degree in biomedical sciences is advisable, although not essential, for entry as a biomedical scientist in hospital medical microbiology laboratories. A list of accredited degree programmes is available through the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) . Biomedical scientists must hold the Certificate of Competence awarded by the IBMS and be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) . A new co-terminus route, which incorporates the necessary laboratory training for HPC registration, is also available. Graduates in other related science subjects taking an MSc in Microbiology can also specialise in this area.
As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (STP) replaced the previous Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. The recruitment for the healthcare scientist training positions takes place early in the year for the September intake. Recruitment usually begins in February, with a closing date in mid-March.
NHS Trusts will offer 200 training posts in life sciences, physics and engineering and physiological sciences. Successful candidates will join a three-year training programme of workplace-based learning and a Masters degree in their specialist subject.
There is a single timetable for recruitment as well as national guidelines and assessment centres to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and equally. Candidates can apply for the training posts at NHS Jobs while the selection process is organised by local trusts.
Details of all training posts are available on NHS Jobs and will be advertised in the New Scientist . Further details of the scheme and a list of all the job roles are available at NHS Healthcare Scientist Training Programme (STP) .
Scotland is also adopting the new training programme but will still be recruiting by specialist subject, rather than on a national basis for the time being. Training will be provided by individual NHS boards. Details of each training scheme can be found at Clinical Scientist Pre-Registration Training Schemes Scotland and New Scientist Jobs .
Pre-entry work experience in a laboratory can be difficult to get, but will be advantageous.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following employability skills:
Potential employers will often require you to have experience of good laboratory practice (GLP).
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) careers website provides a list of pharmaceutical companies offering summer work opportunities. Contact companies as early as possible. Otherwise, talk to hospital laboratories or your university careers service about gaining some voluntary experience.
The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) offers grants to society members to fund penultimate-year undergraduate students undertaking a six to eight-week research project on a microbiological topic in the summer vacation. The closing date for applications is February. Applications should be made by academic supervisors, who must be SGM members. Further information is available from the SGM website.
The Society for Applied Microbiology (SFAM) provides a Students into Work Scheme to enable students to gain a work placement of up to ten weeks. Society members must apply on behalf of a named student. Some companies provide funding to support research work in laboratories over the summer.
Becoming a member of a professional body, such as the SGM or the SfAM, will demonstrate commitment and provide valuable networking and career development opportunities.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The training opportunities available to microbiologists will depend on individual employers and specialist areas. In some jobs, particularly at lower levels, it may be an integral part of the work, with a salary increase available on completion of training; in other, more temporary posts, task-orientated training may only be available.
Other specialist work areas may require specific qualifications to ensure a high standard of ethical and professional practice. For example, microbiologists working directly with animals must gain a Home Office licence.
Larger organisations, particularly those involved in research, may provide training and development opportunities for their staff. This may involve undertaking further qualifications such as a Masters degree or a PhD, with leave allowed for course attendance. For example, biomedical scientist training will often include study for an MSc.
Since training and development opportunities can vary so widely between organisations, it is important to find out about your options before accepting a job.
Generally, there is a wide range of progression routes for microbiologists in most fields, e.g. the hospital service has clear routes. Experience of laboratory and staff management can be an advantage. In some fields, mobility may be required in order to progress. It is worth noting that specialisation in your degree course or in your choice of first job may affect your future career options.
A qualification such as an MSc or PhD can make career progression easier. It is also beneficial to develop your own area of specialist knowledge, for example by getting involved in research projects and publications and keeping up to date with developing research. Continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities are provided by relevant professional organisations, for example through meetings, conferences and special interest groups.
Experienced microbiologists may progress into other fields of work that benefit from their specialist knowledge, such as pharmaceutical sales and marketing, patent work, teaching, scientific publishing or the legal profession.
The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) website contains a wide range of information and downloadable resources for microbiologists at all stages of their career.
Microbiologists work in a range of fields and undertake the following types of activities:
Manufacturing: product development, assessment and monitoring for quality control. Employers include:
Research: where employers include:
Analysis: identifying and monitoring microorganisms, disease surveillance and routine testing of food, milk and water supplies. Employers include:
Environment: sewage treatment, water purification, waste management and bioremediation (cleaning up pollution). Employers include:
Vacancies can also be found through the following society websites:
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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