Microbiologist: Salary and conditions

Clinical scientist trainees in the NHS typically start band 6: £25,528 - £34,189.
Research and development work in pharmaceutical firms, public health laboratories and medical research council units earn higher salaries, in the range of £27,500 - £37,000. Other positions which involve largely routine analytical procedures command between £16,500 - £25,000.
The working day can be quite long, especially at the start of your career when you need to show commitment. Larger employers may provide flexible working schemes. London allowances are available.
The work is generally laboratory-based, although there are opportunities in other types of work environments.
Microbiologists often work as part of a small team on projects. They are also usually responsible for managing their own workload.
Contract and temporary work is available at graduate and technician level within a number of sectors.
Research work can provide more variety than that of routine identification or monitoring, which may be more structured.
Competition can be strong for jobs, particularly within the clinical sector.
Travel within a working day may be required for meetings or on-site visits, but overnight absence is uncommon.

AGCAS

Written by AGCAS editors

Date:

July 2011

Graduate jobs