Microbiology: Now What?

Microbiology…NOW WHAT?

[Found on the Occupational Outlook Handbook]

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

Top Employers for UMass Microbiology Majors after Graduation (Class of 2022  - 2026):

• AbbVie
• Abpro Corporation
• Action Ambulance Holyoke
• Argonne National Laboratory
• Atrius Health
• Autism Learning Partners 
• Baystate Health System
• Baystate Medical Center
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Blue Stream Aquaculture
• Boston Medical Center
• Bristol Myers Squibb
• Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
• CVS Health
• DayZero Diagnostics
• GALY
• Hartford HealthCare
• Harvard Medical School
• HelixBind Inc
• Holobiome
• Homology Medicines Inc
• Invaio Sciences
• Joslin Diabetes Center
• Labcorp Drug Development
• Mass General Brigham
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Matrix Sciences
• Medical Information Technology Inc (MEDITECH)
• MedSchoolCoach
• Moderna
• Mt. Auburn Hospital
• Natera
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital
• Novartis Biomedical Research Institute
• Partners In Health
• Pfizer
• Rousselot
• ScribeAmerica
• Seqirus
• Seres Therapeutics
• Sherlock Biosciences
• South Shore Hospital
• T2 Biosystems
• Transformative Healthcare
• Twist Bioscience
• UL Solutions
• UMass Chan Medical School

Where did Microbiology Majors from the Class of 2026 go to graduate school?

Northeastern University                                           SUNY Binghamton

Trinity College                                                             UCONN

UMass Amherst

Where Might I Do An Internship?

UMass Amherst Microbiology Majors Have Done Internships At The Following Sites:

Amherst (Town of)

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc

BTF Biomériux

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) 

Merck & Co.

Natick Soldier Research Development

MicroTest Laboratories

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association

SABIC Innovative Plastics

Sanofi Group: Pasteur, & Genzyme

St. Mary's Hospital

Tufts University-Microbial Community Assembly 

UMass Amherst Emergency Medical Services

UMass Amherst Environmental Health & Safety

University Health Services

Verax Biomedical

Wyeth Biotec       

Who Could I Work For?

Some of the major industries, companies & government agencies that hire microbiology majors include:

Agriculture                                                                   Energy
Genetic crop modification                                        Biofuels production and refinement

Biomass production                                                  Environmental Remediation

Government
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)                          Military (all branches)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)                         Waste and wastewater management

Local and state government                                    Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Public health                                                               US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Grant management                                                   NASA
Law enforcement and counter-terrorism             Environmental Protection Agency

Health Care
Medical Technology                                                  Health Care Management
Clinics and Hospitals                                                  Quality Control
Diagnostic Testing Labs

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                                                                            Scientific Publishing
Law firms (Patent Law)                                             Journal Editor
Technology transfer                                                 Academic Journalism
Intellectual property                                                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

Helpful Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook                                         www.bls.gov/ooh 

Handshake                                                                          https://umass.joinhandshake.com/ 

Office of Undergraduate Research & Studies                     https://www.umass.edu/ours/ 

UMASS PROPEL                                                                https://propel.umass.edu/

NSF REUs                                                                           https://www.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/reu      

CapYear (pre-med/pre-health gap year opportunities)        https://capyear.co/

CNS Career Center                                                             https://www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/student-success/careers

Mass Life Sciences Center Internship Challenge               https://www.masslifesciences.com/programs/internship-challenge/

Careers at MassBio                                                                  https://careers.massbio.org/ 

Forensic Science Jobs                   https://www.aafs.org/careers-forensic-science/career-opportunities  

Biotech Careers                                                                        https://www.biotech-careers.org/careers 

Agnostic Life Finding Association                                          https://alfamars.org/ 

American Society for Microbiology                                       https://asm.org/

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 2026 Job Outlook for Students)

Top 10 Skills Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume:

1. Teamwork
2. Problem-Solving
3. Communication (verbal)
4. Technical Skills
5. Communication (written)
6. Work Ethic
7. Analytical/Quantitative Skills
8. Initiative
9. Leadership Potential
10. Detail-Oriented