Microbiologist
If you're a logical thinker with an enquiring mind, and you're strong in biological sciences, this job could be ideal for you.
Microbiologists study the biology of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae, mainly in laboratories. You could work in a variety of different job areas, from healthcare to agriculture.
In this job you'll need to be good at solving problems and working accurately. You'll need to be a good communicator and work well in a team. You'll also need to keep up to date with the latest scientific developments.
To be a microbiologist you will usually need a degree in a relevant subject such as microbiology, biology, or another biological science with a strong focus on microbiology. Some employers may also prefer you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification and some work experience.
Job responsibilities:
• monitoring, identifying and helping to control infectious diseases
• using molecular biology techniques to develop and test new medicines and treatments for disease
• investigating the potential of micro-organisms to produce antibodies, vaccines, hormones and other biotechnology products
• assessing the use of microbes for use in food production, crop protection and soil fertility
• monitoring the quality and safety of manufactured food and medical products
• using micro-organisms to control pollution and break down toxic substances
• creating ways to dispose of waste safely.
Employment Opportunities for Microbiologist:
The career opportunities to choose from as a microbiologist will depend on the level of education and training you receive. A baccalaureate degree in microbiology will help you qualify for many technical, research, and clinical positions.
Some of these positions include:
Research assistant. These people provide technical support to conduct research working in a team with other scientists and a research director. They may work in an industrial, government, university, or medical school lab.
Food, industrial or environmental microbiologists, quality assurance technologists. Working in industry, hospitals, or the government, these individuals check for the quality and safety of vitamins, vaccines, antibiotics, and antiseptics. They also identify harmful microorganisms in water, food, dairy, pharmaceutical and environmental products.
Sales or technical representative. These people provide information about pharmaceuticals and other medical or scientific products to prospective customers.
Clinical and veterinary microbiologists, medical technologists. These individuals generally work in veterinary clinics or hospitals to identify disease causing microorganisms in humans and animals.
In addition to these laboratory and technical jobs, there are several other career paths one can take with Bachelors degree in microbiology. Combining microbiology with another discipline, such as education, business, or journalism, provides an even wider range of career options. Such career options would include teaching in high school, scientific sales, science writing for the general public, public relations, or regulatory affairs. Completing a Bachelors degree in microbiology also provides the necessary foundation to continue an education in the medical, veterinary, dental or legal fields.
An advanced degree in microbiology will broaden your career choices even further. A Masters degree would qualify you for a career as a laboratory supervisor or an instructor at a community or junior college. A doctoral degree (or its equivalent) is almost always required for higher level positions in microbiology and other sciences. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology, you could be qualified to perform independent research, teach undergraduate and graduate students, or assume executive level responsibilities in government and industry.
How to become Microbiologist ?
It is must for anyone who plans to apply for the course be Indian citizens. They ought to have finished their class 12 for admission into the graduate program. Candidates who wish to join the postgraduate course ought to have finished their Bachelors degree from a recognized college or university. The candidates must be atleast 17 years at the time of applying.
How to prepare for exam and interview?
The Information regarding the examination can be obtained from all leading newspapers. As timing oneself is very important, the candidates can purchase question papers of the previous years and test themselves. The students can also prepare by reading articles based on the topic of Microbiology. In addition to this, more data can be collected from the internet. When they are appearing for the interview, it is very important for the candidates to answer correctly. They must be calm and answer the questions to the point.
Students pursuing UG in microbiology can work at science laboratories and pathology labs. Microbiology graduates can pursue PG in microbiology . Once they complete their course, they can work in microbiology based industries like pharmaceutical, dairy, breweries, distilleries, enzyme, etc. Alternatively , they can also pursue their PhD programme . After a few years of experience, one can start a pathology laboratory. Students who complete PhD can take up teaching at universities and PG colleges. They can also take up a post doctoral research with good fellowship and contingency grants offered by funding agencies like UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DST, DBT, etc.
Median Pay Scale/salary of Microbiologist :
An undergraduate fresher can expect Rs 5,000-10 ,000 a month. Postgraduates and doctorates can expect Rs 18,000-40 ,000 a year.
CAREER WATCH
UNDERGRADUATES
1. Lab technicians Lab assistants
POSTGRADUATES
1. Analysts in quality control Research assistants Assistant production managers Lab supervisors
DOCTORATE
1. Manager quality control and production Research officers Executives in R&D industries
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