Microbiologists study micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Microbiology is central to many new scientific developments, including genetic engineering and gene therapy, developing new antimicrobial agents (antibiotics) and understanding the process of disease.
Clinical microbiologists study all categories of micro-organisms that are clinically significant and have a potential impact on health. They have a wide knowledge of microbiology linked to clinical conditions, diseases, infections and infection control, and public health.
They may track the spread of a disease, such as bird flu, to help prevent an epidemic, or they may analyse samples of food or water to check for microbes that might cause food poisoning. Others may monitor the effect of microbes in breaking down sewage and other waste.
Research microbiologists usually specialise in one particular field of work after gaining a general knowledge of microbiology. The work involves:
- Designing and conducting experiments
- Making observations and drawing conclusions
- Interpreting and analysing findings
- Writing reports and scientific papers
Industrial microbiologists study micro-organisms specific to their industry.
In general, microbiologists may carry out any of the following activities:
Research microbiologists generally work in a multidisciplinary team with other scientists, including geneticists, biochemists, molecular biologists and chemical engineers. They may also teach and train students and other scientists in research techniques.
Microbiologists in all fields of work often use a combination of manual techniques and sophisticated, computer-controlled equipment and procedures.
Microbiology is also an area of work for biomedical scientists.
Research and industrial microbiologists usually work 37 hours a week, 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required for fieldwork or long-running experiments.
Clinical microbiologists generally work around 37.5 hours a week, on a shift rota system covering 24 hours a day. These could be early, late or night shifts and may include weekends.
The work takes place in laboratories, which may be in hospitals or factories, or out in the field.
Microbiologists in laboratories must wear protective clothing such as approved laboratory coats, gloves, masks and eye protection, or even an all-over protective suit.
Starting salaries may be around £22,800 a year. Salaries in the private sector may be higher.
Microbiologists work for a wide range of employers, including:
Large numbers of microbiologists work in the UK.
Jobs are widespread, although industrial research and development work tends to be more common in South East England.
There are about 550 bioscience companies in the UK employing more than 40,000 people, many of whom are microbiologists. Clusters of bioscience companies are found in Oxford, Cambridge, London, Edinburgh and Nottingham. The demand for microbiologists is increasing.
Vacancies may be advertised in local or national newspapers, on employers' websites and in various sector publications.
A degree is often essential to become a microbiologist. Some have a postgraduate qualification, although an HNC/HND is acceptable for some jobs.
Increasingly, employers are looking for graduates to have relevant work experience.
For a degree in microbiology, applicants generally need at least three A levels/three or four H grades, including biology and preferably chemistry, and five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), including two sciences (or a dual science GCSE), English and maths. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.
Microbiologists are given regular on-the-job training to learn new laboratory techniques, and keep up to date with IT developments and health and safety regulations. They may also receive training for personal development, management or supervisory responsibilities.
In the NHS, clinical microbiologists train on the clinical scientist training programme. This includes study for postgraduate qualifications, leading to registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC), followed by exams for membership or fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists.
Oil Drilling Roustabouts and Roughnecks work as part of a small team on offshore oil or gas drilling rigs or production platforms. Roustabouts do unskilled manual labouring jobs on rigs and platforms, and Roughneck is a promotion from roustabout.
Roustabouts do basic tasks to help keep the rig and platform working efficiently and Roughnecks do practical tasks involved in the drilling operation, under the supervision of the driller.
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Microbiologists should:
Promotion prospects vary depending on the type of organisation. Some microbiologists may need to change employer to gain promotion.
Progression may involve taking on more responsibility for research tasks and projects, and eventually leading a research project. Microbiologists may progress to take on supervisory or management responsibilities.
In industry, scientists may become involved in the more commercial aspects of the work.
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI),
12 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY
Tel: 0870 890 4333
Website: www.abpi.org.uk
Institute of Biomedical Science,
12 Coldbath Square, London EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7713 0214
Website: www.ibms.org
Health Professions Council (HPC),
Park House,
184 Kennington Park Road,
London SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866
Website: www.hpc-uk.org
Health Protection Scotland, Clifton House,
Clifton Place, Glasgow G3 7LN
Tel: 0141 300 1100
Website: www.hps.scot.nhs.uk
Institute of Food Science and Technology,
5 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road,
London W6 7NJ
Tel: 020 7603 6316
Website: www.ifst.org
NHS Careers, PO Box 2311, Bristol BS2 2ZX
Tel: 0845 6060 655
Website: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Royal College of Pathologists,
2 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AF
Tel: 020 7451 6700
Website: www.rcpath.org
The Science Council,
32-36 Loman Street, Southwark,
London SE1 0EH
Tel: 020 7922 7888
Website: www.sciencecouncil.org
Society for Applied Microbiology,
Bedford Heights, Brickhill Drive,
Bedford MK41 7PH
Tel: 01234 326661
Website: www.sfam.org.uk