Careers in Microbiology

Role Description: Study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and parasites to understand their life processes. Work may involve isolating and maintaining cultures of microorganisms for study, identifying species, and researching potential uses or threats in medicine, agriculture, and industry.

Potential Employers: Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies (e.g., CDC, FDA), and universities.

Pay Range: $45,000 - $75,000.

Role Description: Investigate the roles and effects of microorganisms in natural and artificial environments. This includes studying microbes in water, soil, and air to address issues like pollution, biodegradation, and the role of microbes in climate change.

Potential Employers: Environmental agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, waste management companies, and consulting firms.

Pay Range: $48,000 - $90,000.

Role Description: Ensure that food products comply with safety standards to prevent foodborne illnesses. Tasks include testing samples for microbial contamination, developing preservation techniques, and ensuring manufacturing processes meet regulatory requirements.

Potential Employers: Food and beverage companies, government regulatory agencies (e.g., USDA, FDA), and quality control laboratories.

Pay Range: $40,000 - $70,000.

Role Description: Focus on the discovery and development of new drugs and vaccines. This involves screening for antimicrobial compounds, conducting clinical trials, and ensuring products are safe and effective.

Potential Employers: Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, research institutions, and hospitals.

Pay Range: $55,000 - $100,000+.

Role Description: Develop and implement strategies to prevent and control the spread of infections within healthcare settings. This involves monitoring infection rates, training healthcare staff on best practices, and investigating outbreaks.

Potential Employers: Hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health departments, and consulting firms.

Pay Range: $60,000 - $85,000.

Role Description: Ensure that pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other products are free of harmful microorganisms. This involves testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products for microbial contamination, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Potential Employers: Pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic manufacturers, food and beverage producers, and regulatory agencies.

Pay Range: $50,000 - $80,000.

Role Description: Oversee the brewing process from start to finish, including selecting ingredients, mashing, fermenting, conditioning, and packaging. Responsibilities encompass quality control, maintaining brewing equipment, and developing new recipes to produce a variety of beers. Knowledge of microbiology is essential to manage yeast and other microorganisms for optimal fermentation.

Potential Employers: Breweries, microbreweries, craft breweries, and brewpubs.

Pay Range: $30,000 - $75,000, varying by the size of the brewery, geographic location, and the individual's experience and expertise.

Role Description: Microbiology is also a great degree to lead to successful applications to graduate school.

Pay Range: variable depending on availability of assistantships and/or scholarships.