Microbiology Jobs: A Wide Open Field
Commonly known as the study of small life, microbiology covers all living organisms that are not visible with the naked eye and can be seen only through a microscope. The first microorganisms were observed more than 300 years ago. Today, the field of microbiology has advanced by leaps and bounds, giving rise to an increasing number of microbiology jobs.
Microbiology studies microorganisms such as protozoa, bacteria, archaea, viruses, microscopic fungi, yeasts, algae and moulds. The field of microbiology is widely sub-classified as follows:
· Medical microbiology
· Microbial physiology
· Cellular microbiology
· Microbial genetics
· Environmental microbiology
· Food microbiology
· Aero microbiology
· Veterinary microbiology
· Industrial microbiology
· Pharmaceutical microbiology
A Diploma in Applied Sciences is a must for becoming a microbiologist. Offering a range of specializations, microbiology jobs are numerous and varied in nature. As more and more companies emphasize research, microbiologists have been gaining an important role in every industry. For example, one of the most popular and widely available microbiology jobs available is as a Laboratory Technician. This involves research, development, observation and analysis of microorganisms by using prescribed techniques and procedures.
Another common microbiologist job is that of a Research Assistant. Research Assistants offer technical assistance in the collection and processing of data or specimens for research. To become a Research Assistant, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science Degree, and must typically have graduated with honors and adequate work experience.
The major research work in the microbiology field is done by Researchers. They give innovative research results and make scientific recommendations on matters of importance. Applicants who wish to apply for a microbiology job as Researcher typically must have a Master of Science Degree along with experience.
Wide in scale and scope, microbiology jobs also extend to research in agriculture, food science, environmental studies as well as medicine. Several microbiologists even teach in colleges and universities or become writers who specialize in microbiology developments.
In relation to food science, microbiology jobs can be found in four sub-categories. One of them, food safety focuses on preventing food borne pathogens from spreading. Other microbiologists’ jobs center on research to identify bacteriocins, probiotic bacteria and bacteriophages that can kill pathogens in food.
You can also opt for microbiology jobs related to food additives. These include thickeners, viscosifiers, emulsifiers, stabilizers that are used to make products like bread, cheese, pickles, beer, wine and yogurt. Or, microbiologists can find work in a new upcoming field called “food engineering.” Basically, this involves the making of new foods and food related products.
Environment scientists are also a good option for those seeking microbiology jobs. This involves the study of chemical and biological activity and its impact on the environment. As a result, humans can see which choices have a negative impact on nature; and hence, avoid future problems by cutting down on such activities.
In short, the field of medicine offers a multitude of microbiology jobs. Many of these depend on the nature and type of organism being studied. For instance, a mycologist specializes in fungi, a bacteriologist specializes in bacteria and a virologist specializes in viruses. Once you have selected the field you want to work in, it becomes easier to narrow down your job search.
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