Microbiologist
Career outlook for microbiologist
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£23,000
£23,000
Experienced
£45,000
£45,000
Currently employed in Scotland
11,400
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would study micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae. Your work could be used to prevent diseases, make new medicines or grow more food.
You could work in a variety of different areas.
If you work in healthcare as a clinical microbiologist you would identify pathogens – which produce diseases – and work out how to protect communities from the spread of infection.
Or you could do research and development in different areas, including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food
- Agriculture
- Environment
- Education
- Biotechnology
Depending on the industry you would:
- Monitor, identify and help to control infectious diseases
- Use molecular biology techniques to develop and test new medicines and treatments for disease
- Investigate the potential of micro-organisms to produce antibodies, vaccines, hormones and other biotechnology products
- Assess the use of microbes for use in producing food , protecting crops and improving soil fertility
- Check the quality and safety of manufactured food and medical products
- Use micro-organisms to control pollution and break down toxic substances
- Develop ways to dispose of waste safely
You would also present the findings of your research, supervise the work of support staff and do administrative work.
If you work as a researcher and lecturer in a university or teaching hospital, you would tutor, mentor and supervise students.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
81%
Part-time
8%
Self employed
11%
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- Working with technology
- Innovative
- Problem solving
- Observation
- Researching
- Attention to detail
- Sorting
- Taking initiative
- Analysing
- Understanding
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
You'd need a degree in microbiology (SCQF level 9/10), or another degree with a microbiology focus. Employers may expect a postgraduate qualification and relevant work experience.
To enter a microbiology degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at BBBB or above. Some courses require qualifications in one sitting.
Entry to a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) typically requires an honours degree in microbiology or biological sciences. Some universities offer an integrated master's which combines a degree and master's qualification over five years.
Useful subjects
- English (required by many courses)
- Maths (required by many courses)
- Science subjects, in particular biology or human biology (required by many courses)
- Technologies
- Social subjects
Helpful to have
Microbiology is a competitive field. Many employers look for candidates with work experience.
You could complete a Foundation Apprenticeship in Laboratory Science (SCQF Level 6) while you're still at school.
Some degree courses provide work placements, or you could approach a company yourself.