Microbiologist
Study micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae. Work to prevent diseases, make new medicines or grow more food.
Also known as: clinical microbiologist
About the job
What it's like
You would study micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae. Your work could be used to prevent diseases, make new medicines or grow more food.
You could work in a variety of different areas.
If you work in healthcare as a clinical microbiologist, you'd identify pathogens – which produce diseases – and work out how to protect communities from the spread of infection.
Or you could do research and development in different areas, including:
pharmaceuticals
food
agriculture
environment
education
biotechnology
Depending on the industry you could:
monitor, identify and help to control infectious diseases
use molecular biology techniques to develop and test new medicines and treatments for disease
investigate the potential of micro-organisms to produce antibodies, vaccines, hormones and other biotechnology products
assess the use of microbes for use in producing food , protecting crops and improving soil fertility
check the quality and safety of manufactured food and medical products
use micro-organisms to control pollution and break down toxic substances
develop ways to dispose of waste safely
You would also present the findings of your research, supervise the work of support staff and do administrative work.
If you work as a researcher and lecturer in a university or teaching hospital, you'd tutor, mentor and supervise students.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. For some jobs you may need to work an on-call rota.
Environment
The majority of your work will take place in a laboratory, and you would wear protective clothing to prevent contamination.
Travel
There may be some travel involved in your work, for example, to attend scientific meetings and conferences.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Food and drink
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- microbiology
- medical microbiology
- virology
- infectious diseases
- iso 15189 standard
- environmental monitoring
- serology
- microbiological testing
- gram staining
- foodborne illness
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- innovative
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Human Biology
Physics
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You'd need a degree in microbiology (SCQF Level 9/10), or another degree with a microbiology focus. Employers may expect a postgraduate qualification and relevant work experience.
To enter a microbiology degree (SCQF Level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at BBBB or above. Some courses require qualifications in one sitting.
Entry to a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) typically requires an honours degree in microbiology or biological sciences. Some universities offer an integrated master's which combines a degree and master's qualification over five years.
Microbiology is a competitive field. Many employers look for candidates with work experience.
You could complete a Foundation Apprenticeship in Laboratory Science (SCQF Level 6) while you're still at school.
Some degree courses provide work placements, or you could approach a company yourself.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Microbiologist'
