STEM Professions: Jobs in Microbiology

Though it sounds niche, microbiology is actually one of the most important sub-sectors of biology. By analysing microorganisms up close, microbiologists play a crucial role in combating disease, creating chemical products for agriculture, and even helping to keep the planet healthy.

Whether you’re seeking work as a lead microbiologist with a pharmaceutical giant or want to work in infection control with the NHS, microbiology is a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities for professional growth.

But what is microbiology used for? To help your job search, we’ve put together this quick guide to microbiology jobs — and what it’s like to develop a career as a microbiologist.

What is microbiology?

Microbiology is a branch of biological science that studies microorganisms (also known as microbes), which are microscopic unicellular or cell-cluster organisms and infectious agents. 

The different types of microbes studied by microbiologists include bacteria, archaea, viruses, eukaryotes, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae. These microbes can differ dramatically in terms of size and characteristics.

Though microbes often carry negative connotations due to the association of certain microbes with diseases, many other microbes carry several benefits. For example, microbes underpin processes such as industrial fermentation (which is used to make useful products such as alcohol, vinegar and dairy products) and antibiotic production. They also act as molecular vehicles to transfer DNA to complex organisms such as plants and animals.

Microbiology is a broad discipline, and microbiologists study microbes at the level of proteins and genes (molecular biology), at the cellular level (cell biology and physiology), and at the community level (public health, ecology and epidemiology). Branches of microbiology include virology, parasitology, mycology, microbial genetics and bacteriology.

The importance of microbiology

Microbes are vitally important to all life on Earth. As versatile organisms, they play a major role in various biochemical processes such as biodegradation, biodeterioration, climate change, food spoilage, epidemiology and biotechnology. 

By applying microbes in a range of controlled settings, microbiologists can harness their power for beneficial use in areas as diverse as healthcare, food production and agriculture. 

In medicine alone, microbiologists have contributed to some of history's most important scientific breakthroughs. Edward Jenner invented the world’s first smallpox vaccine. Robert Koch identified the causes of cholera, tuberculosis and anthrax. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. And, more recently, Barry Marshall identified the link between Helicobacter pylori infection and stomach ulcers. Microbiologists are pushing the envelope of science and helping to save lives in the process.

The Microbiology Society sum up the importance of the field:

“Microbiology research has been and continues to be, central to meeting many of the current global aspirations and challenges, such as maintaining food, water and energy security for a healthy population on a habitable earth. Microbiology research will also help to answer big questions such as 'how diverse is life on Earth?', and 'does life exist elsewhere in the Universe'?”

The essential ongoing work of microbiologists includes making agriculture more sustainable, cleaning up pollution, manufacturing biofuels, and processing food and drink. 

With the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and global pandemics on the rise, microbiologists are also helping to produce the vital life-saving drugs that many people around the world rely on for survival.

What do microbiologists do?

Microbiologists aim to solve a range of problems affecting our health, the environment, climate and food and agriculture. Depending on the employer, this can include:

• Studying the prevention, diagnosis and control of infections and specific diseases
• Ensuring food and drink is safe to consume
• Understanding the role that microbes play in climate change
• Developing green technologies

Work environment

Microbiologists typically spend most of their time in a hospital, office or laboratory environment, where they conduct specific experiments and analyse the results. Most microbiologists work on a full-time, 9-to-5 schedule.

Responsibilities

• Preparing samples and tracking microbe development in a range of controlled environments
• Planning and carrying out trials
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting key data
• Writing research papers, reports and reviews
• Developing new therapeutic products such as drugs and vaccines
• Managing laboratories and ensuring high health and safety standards

Day-to-day responsibilities can vary depending on the industry, employer or location.

Industries and employers

Microbiologists work in a number of sectors, from healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to government, education and the environment. Key employers of microbiologists in the UK include:

• Hospitals
• Environmental organisations
• Government agencies
• The NHS
• The pharmaceutical and water industries
• Research institutions
• Universities
• Forensic science laboratories

Is microbiology a good career?