Microbiologist
What the work is
Studies the growth and characteristics of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi and protozoa, and the effect they might have on plants, animals and the environment.
Would you enjoy the work?
These are the main tasks in the official description. Mark how each one sounds to you.
- Studies microorganisms in a range of environments to learn about their behaviour
- Studies, identifies and monitors physiological and morphological characteristics of microorganisms
- Develops and improves methods to prevent the spread of disease
- Studies, analyses and grows microbe cultures for use in the food and drink or agriculture industries
- Tests and analyses food, drink and related manufacturing processes to identify contamination
- Establishes process and safety standards for the processing of food to prevent spoilage and illness
Try it
A simulation and a case study from this kind of work, set in a microbiology laboratory that tests food and water, and a coastal reef research team. They are fictional.
The kind of days you could have
Good days
- A mystery contamination is traced to its source and the plant can fix it
- You see something through a microscope that nobody in the room has seen before
- Your survey data helps protect a patch of reef that was due to be dredged
Hard days
- A test result you believe in is not what a client wanted to hear
- Early starts and wet suits in cold water, followed by days of counting and recording
- A contaminated sample and a client who is also a friend
Written by Career Calling as a general guide. Real roles vary by employer and place.
Work a mission
Step into a simulated workplace in this field, with a brief from your manager.
Description and tasks: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Occupation Standard Classification for Australia, 2024, Version 1.0 (opens another site), occupation 244635, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. The skill guide above is our plain English summary.