Microbiologist
Microbiologists study organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae to make advances in environmental science, medicine and agriculture.
- Starter salary£23,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 40 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As a microbiologist, you could:
- test patient samples to identify infections and monitor outbreaks
- develop new medical treatments using microbiology techniques
- investigate how microorganisms make antibodies, vaccines and hormones
- assess the impact of microbes in foods, crops and soils
- check the safety of manufactured food or medicines
- use microorganisms to control pollution and develop biofuels
Working environment
You could work at a university or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of biology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- maths knowledge
- science skills
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent written communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a microbiologist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:
- microbiology
- biology
- life sciences
- biological science
Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiol or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You may be able to become a microbiologist by doing an apprenticeship, for example:
- Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Research Scientist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You might be able to get into microbiology by working your way up from a laboratory technician .
You would need to study part time for a biological science degree or degree apprenticeship while you work.
Volunteering
Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in a healthcare lab. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- manage a team of microbiologists and technicians
- move into commercial research and development
- work in astrobiology on experiments to detect organic molecules in space
- teach at university
- provide consultancy services
In the NHS, you could progress to specialist, team manager and consultant.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Microbiology Society to get professional recognition, find training opportunities and make new contacts.
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0