Who is a Microbiologist?
Microbiologists investigate the fascinating world of
organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye. Although known by many different titles, a
Microbiologist is a scientist who studies living organisms and infectious agents many of which can only be seen with a microscope. They also study the interaction of
microorganisms with people. Everyday microbiologists around the world explore, investigate and discover how these organisms, called microbes exist and affect our lives.
Where Does a Microbiologist Work and With Whom?
As a microbiologist, you will work with many other
scientists and have a vast range of opportunities. Microbiologists work in almost every industry and have many different responsibilities. The following is a partial list of overlapping roles that you may have. You will collaborate with many other scientists. Depending on your specific situation, you may perform more than one function or role.
What Are My Options?
Microbiologists can specialize in a variety of areas. From the food to the space industries, and everywhere in between, there are many opportunities for microbiologists! The following is a partial list of descriptions of some of the many career options available to microbiologists.
Bacteriologist: Seek to answer basic questions about bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.
Biochemist: Discover and teach us how organisms obtain energy, consume nutrients and reproduce.
Biotechnologist: Manipulate genes in order to modify microorganisms. Their work produced novel organisms that make new products for human use. (i.e. insulin, medicine, grocery store items).
Cell Biologists: Explore the actions of molecules on and in the cell. Their investigations determine how microorganisms and cell function.
Environmental Scientists: Investigate the effects of biological, chemical, and geophysical activity on the environment. Their studies provide information necessary for helping humanity cope with the consequences of life.
Geneticists: The language of life is written with four letters, A, C, G, and T. Each letter taken by itself is meaningless. But together the letter create a code of life. Geneticists study the process by which organisms inherit and transmit genetic information.
Immunologists: Investigate the body''s defense against disease. to answer basic questions about bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.
Mycologist: Explore the various uses of molds and yeasts for the production of antibiotics as well as food.
Parasitologists: Investigate the complex life cycles of and adaptations made by organisms which depend on other organisms for survival.
Science Writer: Write articles for the general public as well as for
microbiology professionals. They must have a thorough understanding of language, grammar and science.
Teachers: Educate students about the usefulness and uniqueness of microorganisms.
Virologists: Study viruses and bacteriophages. Virologists are interested in how viruses change and are always on the alert for new types.
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