Microbiologists find jobs in many places like research and development laboratories of government and private hospitals, research organisations, pharmaceutical, food, beverage and chemical industries. Being closely related to biotechnology, there are many similarities between them, making microbiology also a very promising career option. A steep rise in employment avenues for microbiologists is envisaged as a result of growing numbers of above mentioned organisations. The kind of work you get depends on the field of your specialization...

Bacteriologists : Work in the field of bacteriology and study bacteria.

Environmental Microbiologists: Work in the field of environmental science and study microbial processes in the environment.

Food Microbiologists: Work in the food industry and study microorganisms that cause food borne illness and spoilage.

Industrial Microbiologists: Generally work in field of biotechnology and study microorganisms that produce useful products.

Medical Microbiologists: Medical practitioners (doctors) who have chosen to specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of microbial diseases in patients.

Mycologists: work in the field of mycology and study fungi.

Protozoologists: work in the field of protozoology and study protists.

Biochemist: Discover and teach us how organisms obtain energy, consume nutrients and reproduce.

Biotechnologist: Manipulate genes in order to modify microorganisms. Their work produced novel organisms that make new products for human use. (i.e. insulin, medicine, grocery store items).

Cell Biologists: Explore the actions of molecules on and in the cell. Their investigations determine how microorganisms and cell function.

Geneticists: The language of life is written with four letters, A, C, G, and T. Each letter taken by itself is meaningless. But together the letter create a code of life. Geneticists study the process by which organisms inherit and transmit genetic information.

Immunologists: Investigate the body's defense against disease. to answer basic questions about bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.

Parasitologists: Investigate the complex life cycles of and adaptations made by organisms which depend on other organisms for survival.

Science Writer: Write articles for the general public as well as for microbiology professionals. They must have a thorough understanding of language, grammar and science.

Teachers: Educate students about the usefulness and uniqueness of microorganisms.

Virologists: Study viruses and bacteriophages. Virologists are interested in how viruses change and are always on the alert for new types. Besides this new areas of specialization are drug discovery, forensic science, brewing, publishing, health service, veterinary science.

You can get jobs in Industry (food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical), Research institutions, Diagnostic and quality control laboratories, Governmental agencies, Water authorities, Waste management

Sales and marketing, Consultancies, Entrepreneurships

Doing MBA or Ph.D depends upon whether you would like to pursue your career in Academics, Research and technical field or would like to move to a management/administrative/marketing type of role.

All the best
CareerAge Counselor.