Microbiologists can specialize in a variety of areas. From the food to the space industries, and everywhere in between, there are many opportunities for microbiologists! The following is a partial list of descriptions of some of the many career options available to microbiologists.
Seek to answer basic questions about bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.
Discover and teach us how organisms obtain energy, consume nutrients and reproduce.
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).
Explore the actions of molecules on and in the cell. Their investigations determine how microorganisms and cell function.
- Clinical Microbiologist:
Determine the cause of infections in humans and animals and what antimicrobials may be effective for treatment. They play a central role in the detection of new infectious agents.
Investigate the effects of biological, chemical, and geophysical activity on the environment. Their studies provide information necessary for helping humanity cope with the consequences of life.
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.
Investigate the body's defense against disease. to answer basic questions about bacterial growth, metabolism, diversity and evolution.
Explore the various uses of molds and yeasts for the production of antibiotics as well as food.
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.
Educate students about the usefulness and uniqueness of microorganisms.
Study viruses and bacteriophages. Virologists are interested in how viruses change and are always on the alert for new types.