Microbiologist, also known as a Bacteriologist, conduct research and laboratory experiments on occurrence, growth, development, control and utilization of bacteria and other micro-organisms. These professionals are also responsible for investigating micro-organisms relationships with man, animals and plants. The human being existence, his health, food, agriculture and even industrial development are very much dependent on microbes, thereby increasing the importance of the professional i.e. Microbiologist.
It is supposed that if microbes were to become extinct, disaster would become inevitable and irreparable. Thus, the bacteriologist, be it Medical, Agricultural, Industrial, Marine or General one, are very important in today’s world.
Medical Microbiologist study the role played by micro-organisms in spreading various diseases in humans and animals. They are responsible to research and investigate these organisms to find ways to cure and prevent, the occurrence of these diseases.
Agricultural Microbiologist plays an important role in improving the size and shape of the agricultural output. They study plant diseases, the role of micro-organisms in soil fertility and spoilage of farm products. I
Industrial Microbiologist plays an important role in industries producing products such as alcoholic beverages, amino acids, citric acids, vitamin C and antibiotics etc. with the help of micro-organisms.
Marine Microbiologist deals with the micro-organisms present in the ocean whereas General Microbiologists focus on the fundamentals and basic features of micro-organisms including ecology, metabolism, genetics, physiology and structure.
To be in any of the above-mentioned areas of microbiological study, utmost dedication, scientific and analytical temper, interest in research, observant attitude, diligence, ability to work in the team of professionals, good communication skills and hard work are some of the few musts.
To discharge their duties with utmost perfection, the prospective microbiologist requires professional knowledge about the field and condition they are going to work in the coming time. For that, they need proper knowledge of their respective field which can only be achieved by doing professionally designed courses. So to be in this profession one has to undergo one or more of the ahead given courses.
Microbiology being a science subject can be pursued by candidates with a background in science at the school level - B.Sc. and further M.Sc. courses can be taken up at the institutions and universities offering these courses.
Microbiologist Eligibility
Educational Qualification
To be eligible to join B.Sc. degree one should be 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry as the main subject with 50% marks for some highly rated colleges providing this course.
Microbiologist Required Skills
- Microbiologist should have the ability to keep up with the latest scientific developments; an enquiring mind; clear and logical thinking.
- They also have good problem-solving skills; high levels of accuracy and attention to detail; good team working skills.
- They also have the ability to lead a team; excellent spoken and written communication skills; the ability to work with statistics and relevant computer packages.
- They also possess analytical and problem-solving skills and a good flexible approach to work.
How to become a Microbiologist?
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various state and Independent science colleges to admit candidates according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam. These exams are usually held in the month of May-June and consist of Objective type questions based on the subject of relevant subjects the results of these exams are generally out by June/July.
However, some colleges also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class.
Step 2
After completing this 3 years of course in which one has to go through all the major aspects of the field of study, one can further specialize in the study of micro-organisms in the fields of their interest such as M.Sc. in Bacteriology; study of bacteria, Mycology; study of fungi and Virology; study of viruses etc.
Institutes offering Courses for Microbiologist
- Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi
- Acharya Institutes of Health Sciences, Bangalore
- Institute of Genetic Engineering, Kolata
- Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh
Microbiologist Job Description
Microbiologist job includes conducting research and laboratory experiments on occurrence, growth, development, control and utilization of bacteria and other micro-organisms in various sphere of human life like in agriculture, human health etc. Microbiologist work also includes studying and investigating micro-organisms relationships with man, animals and plants.
Microbiologist Career Prospects
A well-qualified microbiologist can make a challenging career in public and private sector hospitals. These days with the growth in the private sector there are so many private hospitals, nursing homes, blood banks, pathology laboratories etc., the demand for microbiologist is on the upswing. With adequate knowledge and experience, Microbiologist can advance to supervisory or management positions in laboratories and hospitals. These Microbiologists can also run private pathology laboratories. Teaching in medical colleges and institutions is also a very good option for them.
Microbiologist Salary
Microbiologist Salary is reasonable in government and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic laboratories etc. The average starting salary of a microbiologist ranges between Rs.35,000 to Rs.40,000 per month in hospitals and in clinics. Those working in private hospitals and clinics have more income than those of government employees. Those who are doing private practice are earning handsome returns depending upon their skill, knowledge, experience and popularity in the surrounding areas.
