Microbiologist

Overview

Who is Microbiologist?

Microbiology represents a broad field of study that focuses on the study of microscopic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, among others. A microbiologist is interested in understanding these organisms' life processes and pathological potential, including their structure, functions, proliferation processes, and how they can be used. Another central point of focus for a microbiologist is to study the interactions of these organisms with humans and other organisms and the consequences of such interactions. This field of study combines the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology as it applies to these microorganisms. It is the work of microbiologists that we require to understand diseases causing organisms, including how to control and prevent the spread of such diseases, studying the effects of medicines on such organisms. Using technoscientific tools and software, Microbiologists study microbial cultures and samples. They play a crucial role in understanding the effects of such microorganisms on health, agriculture, and the environment.

Typical day at work

What does Microbiologist do?

A microbiologist is a professional who investigates the creation, growth, patterns, and some other characteristics of the organisms on a microscopic level, such as the algae, bacteria, or fungi. It also includes the work of the medical microbiologists who understand the relationship between various organisms and the diseases they create that affect human beings and other creatures in their health and well-being. The work of the microbiologist is also to examine the physiological, sociological, or even the cultural aspects of these organisms like bacteria or fungi and test them in various atmospheres such as in water, on land, in food, in humid or dry areas, etc. The microbiologists also provide the facilities of a laboratory for the assessment and research purposes, for diagnosis and the probable treatment to the health departments.

The core responsibilities that accompany a career as a Microbiologist include:

• Grow, separate, preserve, and study microbial cultures
• Record, analyze, and interpret test results regarding the microbial samples and generate reports for the same
• Identify contamination of cultures and initiate protocols to handle the same
• Ensure quality, health, and safety standards are being observed in the laboratory environment
• Studying the development, physiological characteristics, and the pathological potential of microbes using precise, prescribed methods 
• Carry out laboratory experiments to study the specimen samples of microorganisms collected from various sources in the environment
• Conduct research and present finding with the public, fellow researchers, and other stakeholders
• Manage and oversee the work of the biological technicians, ensuring the quality of their results
• Maintain thorough documentation of the laboratory processes, protocols to be followed, tests being performed, as well as that of the inventory

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Microbiologist?

To operate as a Microbiologist, the individual should be armed with the knowledge of biology, microbial science, biochemistry, mathematics. They should have a flair for planning and executing protocols and in-depth knowledge of the tests and methods used in their work. The individual should possess excellent problem-solving and observation skills and the ability to operate complex sophisticated machinery and software. Working with needles, chemicals, and other scientific devices necessitates finger talent and the ability to follow directions precisely. A person interested, systematic, analytical and physically capable of spending long hours on their feet. To work as a microbiologist, you must be familiar with quality control processes, standard safety protocols in the event of contamination or when handling hazardous materials/samples, and legal requirements for healthcare and other related fields. Impeccable communication skills, both spoken and written, shall also be required frequently.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?