Microbiology: Now What?
Quick Facts: Microbiologists
Found on the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- 2021 Median Pay: $79,260 per year;
- Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
- Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
- On-the-job Training: Internship/residency
- Number of Jobs, 2020: 21,400
- Job Outlook, 2020-30: 5% (Slower than average)
- Employment Change, 2020-30: 1,000
What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of organisms, most of which are too small to be seen with the naked eye, including bacteria, algae, protozoa, and fungi, as well as acellular agents, such as viruses and prions. Microbiologists study the interaction of microorganisms with people and how they affect our lives, as well as the roles these organisms play in the environment. Aspiring microbiologists acquire knowledge and laboratory skill in the structure, physiology, genetics, pathogenicity, ecology, and taxonomy of microorganisms. Specialties are sometimes pursued in human and animal infectious diseases, immunology, bacteriology, virology, molecular genetics, and environmental and industrial processes. Microbiologists work in hospitals, universities, medical schools, government laboratories, and almost every industry, specializing in a variety of areas, from agriculture to the space industry. About 40% of microbiology majors continue on to graduate, professional, or medical school.
What Does A Microbiologist Typically Do?
- Plan and conduct complex research projects, such as developing new drugs to combat infectious diseases
- Supervise the work of biological technicians and other workers and evaluate the accuracy of their results
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms for future study
- Identify and classify microorganisms found in specimens collected from humans, water, food, and other sources
- Monitor the effect of microorganisms on plants, animals, and other microorganisms and on the environment
- Keep up with findings from other research groups by reading research reports and attending conferences
- Prepare technical reports, research papers, and recommendations based on their research findings
- Present research findings to scientists, non-scientist executives, engineers, other colleagues, and the public
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. Microbiologists work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct scientific experiments and analyze the results. Most microbiologists work full time and keep regular hours. Most microbiologists work in research and development. Many conduct basic research with the aim of increasing scientific knowledge. Others conduct applied research, using knowledge from basic research to develop new products or solve particular problems.
What Can I Do With A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology?
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Technical Sales Representative
- Water Quality Inspector
- Fermentation Plant Biologist
- Plant Tissue Culture Technician
- Environmental Technician
- Diagnostic Account Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Photomicrographer
- Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
- Brewmaster
- Laboratory Technician
- Forensic Document Examiner
- Pest Control Consultant
- Associate Scientist
- Fish and Wildlife Technician
- Technical Analyst or Writer
- Microbiologist
Where Might I Do An Internship?
UMass Amherst Microbiology Majors Have Done Internships At The Following Sites:
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
- Amgen Scholars Program/Yale School of Med
- Amherst (Town of)
- ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc
- BTF Biomériux
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Concord Health Care Center
- EcoOrganics
- Experium Science Academy
- Genocea Biosciences
- Giner, Inc
- Glaxo Smith Kline (SmithKline Beecham)
- Harvard Medical School
- Henry Gets Moving
- Hertz Corporation (The)
- Holobiome, Inc.
- Merck & Co.
- Natick Soldier Research Development
- MicroTest Laboratories
- Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
- SABIC Innovative Plastics
- Sanofi Group: Pasteur, & Genzyme
- Schepens Research Institute
- St. Mary's Hospital
- Tufts University-Microbial Community Assembly
- UMass Amherst
- UMass Amherst Emergency Medical Services
- UMass Amherst Environmental Health & Safety
- UMass Medical School
- University Health Services
- Verax Biomedical
- Wyeth Biotech
Who Could I Work For?
Some of the major industries, companies & government agencies that hire microbiology majors include:
Academic
- Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Schools
- College and University
- Institutes and not-for-profit research centers
Agriculture
- Genetic crop modification
- Biomass production
Energy
- Biofuels production and refinement
- Environmental remediation
Government
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Local and state government
- Public health
- Grant management
- Law enforcement and counter-terrorism
- Military (all branches)
- Waste and wastewater management
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- NASA
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Health Care
- Medical Technology
- Clinics and Hospitals
- Diagnostic Testing Labs
- Health Care Management
- Quality Control
Industry
Positions include management, quality control, research, and product development. Many know of big pharma and biotechnology but there are numerous other opportunities in the cosmetics, breweries, and oil industries. Identifying such a position may require searching job postings in individual companies.
- Industrial Production antibiotics
- Biotechnology
- Chemical companies
- Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Oil industry and mining
- Food and beverage research
- Microbials research
- Consulting
- Sales or technical representative
- Breweries
- Dairies
Legal
- Law firms (Patent Law)
- Technology transfer
- Intellectual property
Scientific Publishing
- Journal Editor
- Academic Journalism
- Popular Press
Teaching
A microbiology degree combined with instruction in education can lead to a career in teaching.
- Primary and Secondary Schools
- Technical and Specialty Schools
Professional Organizations in Microbiology
Many professional organization’s websites have career information on them. You can often use them to search for networking events, meet a mentor in your field of study, find current research, search for internships or jobs, and gain insight into what direction within the field you may wish to pursue.
Career Services has additional lists of professional organizations and resources in specialty areas such as animal sciences, health services, ecology, and science communication. Ask your career advisor!
Important Transferable Qualities To Include On Your Resume
- Communication skills. Microbiologists should be able to effectively communicate their research processes and findings so that knowledge may be applied correctly.
- Detail oriented. Microbiologists must be able to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision.
- Interpersonal skills. Microbiologists typically work on research teams and thus must work well with others toward a common goal. Many also lead research teams and must be able to motivate and direct other team members.
- Logical-thinking skills. Microbiologists draw conclusions from experimental results through sound reasoning and judgment.
- Math skills. Microbiologists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas in their work. Therefore, they need a broad understanding of math, including calculus and statistics.
- Observation skills. Microbiologists must constantly monitor their experiments. They need to keep a complete, accurate record of their work, noting conditions, procedures, and results.
- Perseverance. Microbiological research involves substantial trial and error, and microbiologists must not become discouraged in their work.
- Problem-solving skills. Microbiologists use scientific experiments and analysis to find solutions to complex scientific problems.
- Speaking skills. Microbiologists frequently give presentations and must be able to explain their research to others.
- Time-management skills. Microbiologists usually need to meet deadlines when conducting research and laboratory tests. They must be able to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently while maintaining their quality of work.
- Writing skills. Microbiologists write memos, reports, and research papers that explain their findings.
What Do Employers Look For?
(Source: NACE Job Outlook 2022, Courtesy of the National Association of College and Employers | www.naceweb.org)
Top 10 Things Employers Look for on Your Resume
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical/quantitative skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (written)
- Initiative
- Strong work ethic
- Technical skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Detail-oriented
- Leadership
7 Things That Give You an Advantage in the Job Market
- Internship with the organization
- Internship within the industry
- Major
- Leadership position
- General work experience
- Extracurricular activities
- High GPA (3.0 or above)