Microbiologists

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. They investigate the growth, structure, and other characteristics of these organisms.

Duties

Microbiologists typically do the following:

• Plan and conduct research projects, such as improving sterilization procedures or developing drugs to combat infectious diseases
• Perform laboratory experiments for a variety of purposes, such as to inform the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses
• Isolate and maintain cultures of 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
• Prepare technical reports and make recommendations based on research findings
• Attend conferences and present research findings
• Supervise biological technicians and evaluate the accuracy of their results

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms to understand how they live, grow, and interact with their environments. Microbiologists sometimes focus on particular topics and collaborate with specialists in that field. For example, a medical microbiologist may research viruses and coordinate with epidemiologists and medical scientists to control the spread of disease.

Microbiologists who work in research and development may collect samples, conduct experiments, and help create a variety of products. For example, microbiologists may aid in developing genetically engineered crops designed to prevent vitamin deficiency. Those who work in academia usually choose the focus of their research, which may include overseeing their own laboratories.

To fund their research, microbiologists may need to apply for grants. They also write reports and prepare presentations about their research.

Microbiologists use microscopes, Bunsen burners, incubators, and other types of laboratory equipment. In addition, they may use computers for tasks that involve analysis and writing.

The following are examples of types of microbiologists:

Bacteriologists study the growth, development, and other properties of bacteria, including the positive and negative effects that bacteria have on plants, animals, and humans.

Clinical microbiologists test a wide range of specimens collected from plants, humans, and animals to aid in detecting and preventing disease.

Environmental microbiologists study how microorganisms interact with ecosystems and each other.

Industrial microbiologists study how microorganisms can be used in manufacturing production processes.

Medical microbiologists study diseases, specifically focusing on how they impact microorganisms and how to diagnose, treat, and control them.

Mycologists study the properties of fungi such as yeast and mold. They research beneficial uses for, and risks of, various species of fungi.

Parasitologists study organisms that live off another organism, causing harm to it. They research the life cycle of parasites, the parasite-host relationship, and how parasites adapt to different environments.

Public health microbiologists examine microorganisms to track, control, and prevent communicable diseases and other health hazards. They typically provide laboratory services for local health departments and community health programs.

Virologists study the structure, development, and other properties of viruses and how they affect organisms.

Microbiologists held about 20,700 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of microbiologists were as follows:

Microbiologists typically work in laboratories, offices, and industrial or academic settings. Some microbiologists travel to collect samples from the field, which may require working outdoors in a variety of settings. Microbiologists who work with dangerous organisms follow safety procedures to avoid exposure.

In addition, the uncertainty of financial support for research may be stressful. Microbiologists often depend on funding from grants, which are awarded through a highly competitive selection process.

Work Schedules

Most microbiologists work full time.

Microbiologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master's degree or Ph.D.

The median annual wage for microbiologists was $87,330 in May 2024.

Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 1,700 openings for microbiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.