What does a Microbiologist do?
A microbiologist is responsible for investigating the growth, structure development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. They undertake laboratory analysis and the monitoring of microbial cultures, samples and new drugs using specialist computer software and a range of identification methods and clinical trials. Additionally, microbiologists also develop new pharmaceutical products, vaccines, medicines and compounds such as antiseptics. Microbiologists are employed by a variety of institutions including research institutions, hospitals, and government agencies.
A bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology or related science is required for microbiologists as well as 3 years of successful analytical laboratory experience. Successful microbiologists possess outstanding analytical skills and with high proficiency in mathematics.
- Develop new pharmaceutical products, vaccines, medicines and compounds such as antiseptics
- Collecting samples from a variety of locations
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, for community environmental health programs and for physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment
- Record, analyze and interpret data
- Write research papers, reports, and reviews
- Ensure data is recorded accurately in accordance with guidelines
- Remain up to date with scientific and research developments
- Validate microbiological methods to meet client requirements, as appropriate
- 3 years of successful analytical laboratory experience
- Able to knowledgeably and safely handle hazardous chemicals
- Enthusiastically serve customers and represent our laboratory professionally
- Deep knowledge in managing a laboratory project and collaborate with a wide variety of technical colleagues
- Able to lift 25 pounds
- Proficiency in numeracy and IT skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Superb problem-solving skills
- Able to work well in a team and to manage your own workload
Microbiologist Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Microbiologist Career Path
Learn how to become a Microbiologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Microbiologist Insights
State of Alabama“The pay is very cheap and there is not any options for continuing education and training for better pay.”
Amentum“Followed contract when Amentum won it so I stayed in my field of expertise; good pay”
Microconsult“Your annual bonus is based on how many trivia questions you get correct at the Christmas party.”
Motion Education“Good good good good good”
Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals“Job timing and work life balance is not good”
Eurofins Scientific“Management was nice but not the best at managing.”
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene“Pay isn't great or terrible.”
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners“On my first day I was left alone in the lab after an hour of training.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Microbiologist
When working as a Microbiologist, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are EEG, Written Communication, CPR, Collaboration and Protocols.
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- BioInformatics Engineer
- Research Assistant
The most common qualifications to become a Microbiologist is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.
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I’ve been at my org 7yrs. There is a pattern of me inheriting the work of higher level fired employees without a raise. I’m in research w/ an Ops background. They fired our Ops Director ($140k) and gave me some of those duties but said I’m not eligible for a pay raise due to my “emotional intelligence” and that I need to produce more research for a raise. I make ~$80k. Ops is a mess, I have more experience in it than the Director did, and that lane of work is taking most of my time. Advice?