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Microbiologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Microbiologists study micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae.

Average salary (a year)

£18,821 Starter

to

£47,642 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become a microbiologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a degree in a subject like microbiology, biology or biological science.

Some employers may ask for a relevant postgraduate qualification and work experience.

You may be able to do an integrated postgraduate master's qualification like a MBiolSci, MBiol or MSci. These courses include independent research and can lead onto further postgraduate study for a PhD.

If you want to work in the NHS as a microbiologist, you could apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a laboratory scientist or research scientist degree apprenticeship.

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 higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may find it possible to get into microbiology by working your way up from a laboratory technician job. You would usually study part-time for a relevant science degree or degree apprenticeship while you work.

Volunteering

You could improve your career prospects if you get some work experience. This could be with the NHS, as part of a sandwich degree course or through a placement with a company during the holidays. Your university can advise you on voluntary opportunities.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can find out more about professional registration as a scientist from the Science Council.

Further information

You can get more advice about working in microbiology from the Microbiology Society and Health Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of biology
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • maths knowledge
  • science skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you might:

  • monitor, identify and help to control infectious diseases
  • use molecular biology techniques to develop and test new medicines and treatments
  • investigate how microorganisms produce antibodies, vaccines, hormones and other biotechnology products
  • assess the use of microbes in food production, crop protection and soil fertility
  • monitor the quality and safety of manufactured food and medical products
  • use microorganisms to control pollution and dispose of waste safely

You might also:

  • present research findings
  • supervise the work of support staff
  • carry out administrative tasks

Working environment

You could work at a university or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

You could move into lab management, research or teaching. 

In the NHS you could progress to specialist, team manager and consultant. 

You could also offer consultancy services in areas like pharmaceutical sales, publishing and law. 
 

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

ATA - Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship (ARD) - Pfizer

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  • Location: Sandwich

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Courses In England

Applied Science

  • Provider: WEALD SCHOOL, THE
  • Start date: 03 September 2021
  • Location: Billingshurst

Applied Science

  • Provider: ROSEBERY SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Epsom
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