ADD ADVICE TO FAVMicrobiologist
Microbiologists typically work for hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, public health laboratories and Medical Research Council units.
What microbiologists do
- investigate the presence of micro-organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, arising from a range of sources
- assist in the development of new drugs
- use appropriate practical and experimental procedures to assist identification
- work with other professional staff such as doctors and public health officers in an advisory capacity
- carry out research and/or devise new procedures of analysis
- keep abreast of relevant scientific and medical literature
- write reports of work undertaken.
Key skills
- practical laboratory skills
- a well-organised and methodical approach to work
- good interpersonal skills
- accuracy in report writing.
Training to be a microbiologist
Microbiologist graduate clinical scientist trainee positions in the NHS include study towards an MSc or postgraduate diploma together with in-service training. Other employers would provide training on the job.
Salaries
Clinical scientist trainees in the NHS typically start on salaries that range from £22,886 to £31,004.
Research and development work draws higher salaries, in the range of £27,600 to £36,416.
Healthcare scientists at consultant level in the NHS earn up to £88,397.
Other positions which involve largely routine analytical procedures command between £16,405 and £24,803.
