Research Microbiologist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Research Microbiologist

Best Schools to become a Research Microbiologist in U.S. 2024

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL

In-State Tuition:$2,393
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,494
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:43%
Total Enrollment:14,323

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:9%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:46,430

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO

In-State Tuition:$49,800
Out-of-State Tuition:$49,800
Admission Rate:85%
Graduation Rate:81%
Total Enrollment:15,755

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Arecibo, PR

In-State Tuition:$5,024
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,024
Admission Rate:60%
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:2,897

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR

In-State Tuition:$5,024
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,024
Admission Rate:54%
Graduation Rate:42%
Total Enrollment:11,062

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT

In-State Tuition:$6,304
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,304
Admission Rate:67%
Graduation Rate:79%
Total Enrollment:34,464
Research Microbiologist Job Description:
  • 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.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Research Microbiologist

Job Duties for Research Microbiologists

  • Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.

  • Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.

  • Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.

Technologies and Skills Used by Research Microbiologists

Analytical or scientific software

  • BD Biosciences CellQuest
  • Verity Software House ModFit LT

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database management software
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Research Microbiologist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Research Microbiologist

FAQs About Becoming a Research Microbiologist