CAREER PROFILE
Microbiologist
A microbiologist studies the growth, structural development, and other properties of tiny organisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. They provide laboratory investigation and monitoring of microbial cultures, samples, and novel medications with the use of specialized computer software, identification procedures, and clinical trials.
Microbiologists also create novel pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medications, and chemicals such as antiseptics. Microbiologists work in a wide range of settings, including research organisations, hospitals, and government agencies.
The below job description highlights key duties, tasks, and responsibilities usually performed by microbiologist:
- Plan and conduct complex research projects, such as improving sterilization procedures or developing new drugs to combat infectious diseases
- Perform laboratory experiments that are used in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses
- 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 study
- Identify and classify microorganisms found in specimens collected from humans, plants, animals, or the environment
- Monitor the effect of microorganisms on plants, animals, other microorganisms, or the environment
- Review literature and the findings of other researchers and attend conferences
- Prepare technical reports, publish research papers, and make recommendations based on their research findings
- Present research findings to scientists, nonscientist executives, engineers, other colleagues, and the public
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Education for Microbiologists
Specialization
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma
If you want to study microbiology, concentrate your high school course selections in the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry and physics. Courses in English and mathematics are helpful as well. Admission to any bachelor’s degree program requires a high school diploma or GED, and some recommend four years of science, three years of math and two years of composition classes.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in microbiology will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the internal structure of microorganisms, the functions of their organelles and the physical and chemical interactions that take place within cells and between cells. Possible courses topics include organic chemistry, microbial genetics, pathogenic microbiology, and cellular physiology. Programs may be structured to emphasize general math and science in the first two years and microbiology-specific content during the third and fourth years.
Step 3: Earn a Graduate Degree
Doctoral programs may be oriented towards preparing you to study medicine, work as a research scientist or teach. However, in all programs, you will have to conduct original research on a narrowly focused topic. Some programs allow you to enrol with a bachelor’s degree, but others require you to have a master’s degree.
Your doctoral studies will develop your abilities to design lab experiments, achieve proficiency in their execution, effectively communicate the results of your research and comprehend the research other others. Elective courses and seminars enable you to focus on a specialization, which might lead to a career as a bacteriologist, biochemist, immunologist, mycologist, parasitologist, science writer or virologist.
If you are seeking a career as a Microbiologist in India, the typical beginning pay for a newcomer will be about Rs 3 Lakh per year. With experience and a wide range of talents, you may advance your career and earn up to Rs 10 lakh each year. If you want to have a solid and long-term job in the field of microbiology, a PhD in Microbiology or similar disciplines would work wonders for you.
Average Salary Annual Pay Package
Fresher Microbiologist – Rs 3 Lakh p.a
5-6 Years of Experience as Microbiologist – Rs 10 Lakh p.a
Senior Microbiologist / Research Scientist – Rs 20 Lakh p.a
Top Diploma Microbiology Courses After 12th
Mostly, PG Diploma courses are offered in Microbiology. Here are a few of the diploma courses offered.
| Diploma Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Microbiology |
|
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Top PG Diploma Microbiology Courses
| PG Diploma Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Graduate Diploma in Microbiology |
|
INR 20,000-1,00,000 | Offline |
| PG Diploma in Medical Microbiology Technology | SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre | INR 1,00,000 | Offline |
| PG Diploma in Clinical Virology and Immunology | Amity University | INR 1,20,000 | Offline |
| PG Diploma in Industrial Microbiology |
|
INR 12000-98,000 | Offline/Distance |