Role Description

Scientific > Microbiologist

Salary National Average

Low Medium High
46310.0000 56680.0000 68610.0000

Change from Previous Year:

+4%

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Short Description:

Microbiologists undertake laboratory analysis and monitoring of microbial cultures, samples and new drugs using specialist computer software and a range of identification methods and clinical trials. Microbiologists Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Planning and carrying out trials
  • Tracking environmental microorganism development
  • Growing microbe cultures
  • Developing new pharmaceutical products, vaccines, medicines and compounds such as antiseptics
  • Collecting samples from various locations
  • Recording, analyzing interpreting data
  • Writing research papers, reports and reviews
  • Keeping up to date with scientific and research developments
  • Ensuring that data is recorded accurately in accordance to guidelines
  • Observing high health and safety standards
  • Inspecting food and drink manufacturing processes to check for possible contamination
  • Managing laboratories

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
  • Valid Laboratory Technician license.
  • Proven experience working as a Lab Technician.
  • Working experience operating electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment.
  • Comfortable handling potentially dangerous substances (flammable liquids, biohazards, etc.)
  • In depth knowledge of QHSE management systems, preventative measures, and laboratory best practices.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and database systems.
  • Ability to work autonomously and under pressure.
  • Superb dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Keen attention to detail.
  • Analytical skills.
  • Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Job Zones

  • Title:  Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
  • Education:  Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
  • Related Experience:  Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
  • Job Training:  Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
  • Job Zone Examples:  These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: (8.0 and above)

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