What Does Microbiologist Do? How To Become an Microbiologist?

Who is a Microbiologist?
A Microbiologist is a scientist who studies microorganisms. These microorganisms include Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Protozoa, and Algae. All these microorganisms are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye, but they have a profound impact on our life, health, and environment.
Microbiologists try to understand how these microorganisms interact with the human body, animals, plants, and other parts of nature. Some microorganisms are beneficial and prove useful in the fields of medicine, vaccines, and biotechnology, while some microorganisms can cause dangerous diseases.
What Does a Microbiologist Do?
The primary role of a Microbiologist is to analyze which microorganisms are useful in which fields and which ones are harmful. Based on this research, new medicines, vaccines, and bio-solutions are developed, which play a revolutionary role in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection. Below are the main tasks performed by a microbiologist:
1. Key Responsibilities of a Microbiologist
- Research and analysis
- Identification and prevention of diseases
- Development of medicines and vaccines
- Environmental work
- Medical laboratory testing
- Collaboration in industries
2. Scientific Areas Study
- Life cycle of microorganisms
- Structure of microorganisms
- Functions of microorganisms
- Growth and development of microorganisms
- Genetics of microorganisms
- Relationship of microorganisms with the environment
- Impact on humans and the environment
Types of Microbiologists
1. Bacteriologist
Bacteriologists are scientists who specifically study bacteria. Their work involves understanding the structure, behavior, origin, and diseases caused by bacteria. They identify which bacteria are harmful and which are beneficial.
2. Virologist
Virologists study viruses and the diseases caused by them. They analyze how viruses enter the body, spread, and cause illness.
3. Mycologist
Mycologists study fungi (molds) in agriculture, food industry, medicine manufacturing, and environmental research. They understand how fungi develop, the environments in which they thrive, and how they affect humans, plants, or animals. They also identify which fungi cause diseases and which are beneficial, such as those used in making cheese, bread, and medicines.
4. Parasitologist
Parasitologists study parasites and their relationships with their hosts. These parasites, such as those causing malaria, amoebiasis, or filariasis, often live inside humans or animals and cause diseases. Parasitologists understand their life cycles, infection processes, and treatment methods.
5. Immunologist
Immunologists study the human body's immune system in areas like allergies, autoimmune diseases, vaccination, and cancer immunotherapy. They explore how the body fights external microorganisms and which mechanisms provide protection against diseases.
How to Become a Microbiologist?
1. Choose the right subjects after 10th
To become a microbiologist, first choose the science stream after 10th and take PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) subjects in class 11 and pass class 12.
2. Complete Graduation after 12th
After 12th, earn a B.Sc in Microbiology degree from a recognized college or university. This degree usually takes 3 years. After this, you can work in entry-level positions like microbiologist, lab technician, or quality control executive.
3. Pursue M.Sc in Microbiology
After B.Sc, you can join M.Sc Microbiology to enhance your expertise. After completing M.Sc, you may work as a research assistant.
4. Do a Ph.D (Optional)
If you want to become a senior scientist, project head, academic researcher, or professor, pursuing a Ph.D is essential.
Why become a microbiologist?
- High demand in medical and pharmaceutical sectors
- Crucial for disease diagnosis, vaccine development, and food safety
- Opportunities in research and development (R&D)
- Wide application in agriculture, dairy and biotechnology industries
Essential Skills for a Microbiologist
Simply having a degree is not enough to become a successful microbiologist; certain essential skills are also necessary to achieve success in this field. Below are the key skills every microbiologist candidate should possess:
1. Strong Analytical Skill
It is extremely important to have strong analytical skills because this field involves observing samples, performing detailed analysis, and drawing scientific conclusions, where even a small detail can be the basis for a major discovery.
2. Attention to Detail
Candidates must have great attention to detail. While studying microscopic organisms, even a small mistake can spoil the entire research. Therefore, accuracy and precision in lab experiments are crucial.
3. Laboratory Skills
Laboratory skills are vital because most of a microbiologist's work happens in the lab, and without these skills, it is impossible to work in this field.
4. Problem-Solving Ability
During research, new challenges arise. Logical thinking and innovation are necessary to find solutions to these problems.
5. Communication Skills
The results of your research are valuable only if you can clearly explain them to others. Writing reports, giving presentations, and effective communication during teamwork are very important.
6. Computer and Technical Knowledge
Nowadays, microbiology involves bioinformatics, data analysis tools, and specialized lab software. Hence, computer skills and understanding technology are important.
7. Safety Awareness and Discipline
Microbiologists work with potentially harmful organisms. Therefore, following safety protocols, hygiene standards, and maintaining discipline is a must.
Scope of a Microbiologist
- Hospitals
- Research labs
- Biotechnology companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Food industries
- Water treatment plants
- Agriculture departments
- Government research institutes (ICMR, DRDO, etc.)
Career Options for Microbiologist
Becoming a Microbiologist is a very popular and useful career option today. This career finds applications in almost every field in modern times. If you are interested in studying bacteria, viruses, fungi and microorganisms, then a career in Microbiology might be right for you. Below are some career options for microbiologists:
1. Research Scientist
Research scientists work mainly in public health. They discover new bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in laboratories to develop new vaccines, antibiotics, or treatment methods by understanding their behavior and characteristics.
2. Industrial Microbiologist
Industrial microbiologists use microorganisms in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to produce enzymes, medicines, biofuels, and other commercial products.
3. Clinical Microbiologist
Clinical microbiologists identify bacteria, viruses, or fungi causing infections by testing patient samples like blood, urine, and saliva in hospitals and diagnostic labs. Based on this, they recommend the correct medicines and treatments.
4. Environmental Microbiologist
They study the quality and environmental impact of microorganisms found in natural environments such as water, soil, and air.
5. Food Microbiologist
Food microbiologists are responsible for checking the presence of harmful bacteria or viruses in food products and preventing foodborne illnesses in the food industry.
6. Agricultural Microbiologist
Agricultural microbiologists use microorganisms to improve soil quality and crop productivity by developing bio-fertilizers and natural pesticides.
7. Microbiology Professor
Professors teach microbiology principles, laboratory techniques, and current research topics to students in universities and colleges.
8. Biotechnologist
Biotechnologists combine microbiology and genetics to develop bio-products and technologies like gene modification, vaccine development, drug manufacturing, and bioprocess design.
9. Molecular Microbiologist
They study microorganisms at the genetic and molecular levels (DNA, RNA, Protein), discovering how genes affect microbe behavior and how they can be altered through genetic engineering.
10. Marine Microbiologist
They explore bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms living in the depths of the sea and study how these affect the marine ecosystem. This field helps in marine biodiversity conservation, biofuel production, and reducing marine pollution.
11. Forensic Microbiologist
Forensic microbiologists use microbes in crime investigation to analyze bioterrorism, autopsies, and crime scenes, identifying which microorganisms were present and if they match any suspects.
Microbiologists Salary
1. Salary by Experience level
Experience Level | Average Salary (per annum) |
---|---|
Fresher (0-1 year) | ₹1.8 LPA - 3.6 LPA |
1-3 years experience | ₹3.6 LPA - 6 LPA |
3-5 years experience | ₹6 LPA - 8.4 LPA |
Senior Level (5+ years) | ₹8.4 LPA - 15 LPA+ |
2. Salary by Sector
Sector | Average Salary (per annum) |
---|---|
Government Hospitals | ₹2.5 - 6 LPA |
Private Labs/Clinics | ₹3 - 8 LPA |
Pharma Companies | ₹4 - 10 LPA |
Research Institutes | ₹5 - 12 LPA |
Teaching (Colleges) | ₹3 - 7 LPA |
Interesting Facts about Microbiologists
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the world's first microbiologist, often referred to as the "Father of Microbiology".
- Microbiologist Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic, "Penicillin".
- Microbiologists study those tiny microorganisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- Thanks to microbiologists, we can enjoy safe and tasty fermented products like cheese, curd, bread and beer.
- World Microbiology Day (Microorganisms) is celebrated every year on 17th September.
Microbiologist FAQ
A microbiologist studies microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. They work in labs to research, detect, and prevent infections, develop vaccines, test food safety, and support medical and environmental research.
In India, a fresher microbiologist earns around ₹2.5 to ₹4 LPA, and with experience, it can go up to ₹6-12 LPA or more. In foreign countries, salaries are much higher depending on qualifications and role.
No, NEET is not required for microbiology. You can pursue microbiology after 12th science (PCB or PCM) by applying to colleges through their own entrance exams or merit-based admission.
Yes, microbiology is a growing and meaningful career with opportunities in healthcare, research, pharmaceuticals, food industry, and environmental science.
Not necessarily. A microbiologist is a scientist, not a medical doctor. However, medical microbiologists (with MBBS + MD in Microbiology) are doctors who work in hospitals and diagnostics.
To become a microbiologist:
- After 12th, do BSc in Microbiology
- Then pursue MSc or PhD for better jobs or research roles
- Medical microbiologists do MBBS + MD (Microbiology)
Yes, microbiologists study blood samples to detect infections, identify pathogens, and assist in diagnosing diseases like malaria, dengue, and sepsis.
Yes, they often study DNA of microorganisms to understand genetics, develop vaccines, or modify microbes for industrial use (like in genetic engineering).
Most microbiologists work in labs, but some may travel for research, fieldwork, conferences or industrial visits, especially if they work in environmental or agricultural microbiology.
Microbiologists can work in both government and private sectors. Government opportunities exist in health departments, research labs (ICMR, DRDO, CSIR), and hospitals.
Countries with high demand for microbiologists include:
- USA
- Canada
- Germany
- UK
- Australia
These countries offer good research opportunities, especially for MSc/PhD holders.
It usually takes:
- 3 years for BSc
- 2 more years for MSc
- +3 to 5 years if pursuing PhD
So, 3 to 10 years depending on your education path.
- Choose BSc in Microbiology or BSc in Biotechnology
- Make sure you took Biology (PCB) in 12th
- Prepare for college entrance exams (if required)
It can be challenging due to lab work, detailed research, and technical skills, but it is also rewarding if you're interested in science, health, or research.