Employers and Universities: Work with us?
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study the biology and chemistry of microbes. They apply their knowledge to solve problems in areas like agriculture, food production, the water industry, medicine and pharmaceuticals, and to manage and protect the environment.
Also known as:
- Biologist – microbiologist
Work activities
Some microbes cause illnesses, including food poisoning, bacterial diseases and viral infections. Most are harmless and many play an essential role in environmental protection, food production, farming, health care and industry. In pure research, microbiologists will study a particular microbe, investigating things like cell structure and genetics. Their findings can then be used outside the laboratory to solve a variety of problems. Microbiologists have a very important role in health care. In hospitals, microbiologists who work as biomedical scientists and clinical scientists find out which microbes are responsible for patients’ illnesses. They examine samples taken from patients. Their analyses help doctors to make diagnoses and plan treatments. Microbiologists can alert a doctor if a microbe has become resistant to antibiotics. The Health Protection Agency (HPA), part of Public Health England, operates all over the country. Here, microbiologists identify microbial infections and look at how they spread across the UK. They can supply their information to help health authorities deal with outbreaks of disease. The HPA also tests food and drink to make sure it is not contaminated with diseases such as salmonella. Microbiologists investigate food poisoning, tracing outbreaks to their source, for example, to factories, farms or restaurants. They regularly analyse samples of food, water and milk to make sure they do not contain harmful microbes. In the pharmaceutical industry, microbiologists research diseases. They develop and test vital medical products such as antibodies, vaccines and artificially produced hormones.
In farming, microbiologists investigate the role of microbes in the soil. They research microbes that cause diseases in plants and livestock; they can sometimes use other microbes to control pests, diseases and weeds. Microbiology is very important to a variety of industries, for example, in the production and quality testing for products such as antiseptics and types of disinfectant. Another example is the use of microbial enzymes in washing powders, to break down stains and allow clothes to be cleaned at lower temperatures. In the cosmetic and toiletries industries, microbiologists develop and test products such as creams to treat acne and anti-dandruff shampoos (some fungi cause minor infections such as dandruff). In environmental protection, some microbiologists use microbes to break down industrial waste. Others investigate the part microbes play in climate change. For example, as the world gets hotter, microbes in the soil start to break down decaying plant and animal matter at a faster rate. In turn, this releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which increases global heating. Microbiologists are also working with technologists and engineers to develop alternative sources of energy from urban and industrial waste. Outside the laboratory, microbiologists work in a wide range of roles, including in education, museums, marketing, journalism and public relations.
Personal qualities and skills
As well as biology, microbiologists need strong knowledge of chemistry. You’ll also need:
- An enquiring mind and problem-solving skills.
- A methodical, logical approach to experiments and research.
- Attention to detail.
- Organisational skills to plan experiments.
- The ability to use technical equipment and computers.
- Written and oral communication skills. You need to explain your findings clearly and concisely, sometimes to people who don’t have a scientific background.
- Teamwork skills.
Pay and opportunities
Salaries for microbiologists vary. According to the National Careers Service, microbiologists can expect to earn between £23,000 and £45,000.
Microbiologists usually work 38-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, in some posts, such as hospital laboratories, they might have early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work.
Employers include universities, hospital laboratories, medical schools, research institutes, pharmaceutical and food companies, and veterinary research stations. Some microbiologists use their skills in related jobs outside the laboratory, including in teaching, technical support, scientific sales and publishing. Opportunities for microbiologists occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised in science magazines such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on specialist job boards, and in national/local newspapers.
Entry routes and training
Usual entry to this career is with a relevant degree. There are a number of specialist courses in microbiology, including sandwich courses. Some universities combine microbiology with subjects such as biotechnology, genetics and zoology, and it’s possible to study at first (undergraduate) degree level in areas such as medical microbiology. You could also choose a broad-based course in biological sciences or applied biology, before making any decision about specialisation. Some universities offer degree courses with a foundation year. This is an extra year for students who don’t have the specified science A-levels for entry. Entry can be possible with a relevant HND or foundation degree, although this is often into a technician-level post. Technicians may then be able to study part-time, up to degree level. For some posts, particularly in academic research, you’ll need a postgraduate qualification. If your first degree is in a general biological science subject, you might choose to take a specialist postgraduate qualification in microbiology.
There are two career paths into the healthcare sector:
- The biomedical scientist route.
- The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
To become a biomedical scientist, you must usually have an honours degree in biomedical science or healthcare science (life science) that is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). To join the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) as a clinical microbiologist, you’ll need at least a 2:1 in a relevant BSc (Hons) degree. A relevant postgraduate degree and/or research experience is desirable.
You’ll usually have training on-the-job, for example, in laboratory techniques and specialist equipment. Some employers enable microbiologists to study for postgraduate qualifications while working. If you enter the NHS through its Scientist Training Programme, you’ll receive a salary while training. You’ll work towards an accredited MSc and certification of workplace training in infection sciences (including general microbiology).
An alternative path you could take is to complete degree apprenticeship. Two main options are available for those wishing to pursue a career in microbiology:
- Laboratory scientist
- Research scientist
Once qualified, you could progress to a supervisory or lab management position or move into research or teaching.
Qualifications
For entry to a degree in microbiology, the usual minimum requirement is:
- Two to three A-levels, including biology. Chemistry can be a preferred subject.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
- A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.
Alternatives to A-levels include:
- Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals.
- The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.
To begin a degree apprenticeship, you will need:
- Two relevant A-levels, e.g. biology and chemistry.
- GCSEs in English and maths and, ideally, other relevant subjects.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
Some entrants have developed skills and knowledge through working as laboratory technicians, or through industrial work placements.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. Some universities run a foundation year (or “year zero”) before the start of science degree or HND courses. This is for students who don’t have the science A levels usually needed to enter the course. A few colleges and universities offer courses in Microbiology at including with part time/flexible and distance learning study options.
Funding for postgraduate study and research is available, through universities, from UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).
