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Between 2006 and 2009, 0.3% of employed doctoral graduates, or 40 doctoral graduates in total, are known to have been working as microbiologists six months after graduation.

Job description

Doctoral microbiologists are usually found in research settings in higher education, private science research and development and healthcare.

Much of this research work is very similar in nature to the research work the new entrant carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into these research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities. Clinical roles may differ more.

Microbiologists study microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae and protozoa. They focus on the biology of microorganisms at both the molecular and cellular level, research the interactions between microorganisms and human systems and develop and commercialise techniques in a range of fields, including emerging biotechnology areas. Microorganisms affect every aspect of life on earth and, consequently, microbiologists work in a wide variety of settings, although the majority of work is laboratory-based and focused on research.

Microbiology is a large subject which overlaps with other areas of life sciences, such as molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry. Areas of specialism include: basic research; medicine; healthcare; food; industry, such as pharmaceuticals, toiletries and biotechnology; agriculture; the environment; and university teaching.

Typical work activities

Typical work activities for a doctoral qualifier in microbiology might include:

  • Developing new techniques, products and processes
  • Developing new biotechnology methods
  • Developing and planning methods to prevent the spread of disease
  • Developing and registering new medicines, vaccines, diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical products
  • Planning, implementing and evaluating new products in clinical trials
  • Developing products, such as enzymes, vitamins, hormones, and antimicrobials
  • Working with specialist computer software to undertake studies and research
  • Managing and overseeing laboratory work
  • Observing, monitoring and identifying microorganisms
  • Tracking of microorganisms in a range of environments
  • Monitoring and assessing samples from a range of sources
  • Using a variety of identification methods, including molecular techniques, to test samples.

Doctoral microbiologists may also undertake management and related activities depending on the field in which they work, which may include:

  • Planning and organising resources and activities
  • Following regular sampling schedules within a specific environment
  • Collecting samples from different types of environments, such as agricultural sites
  • Quality control in manufacturing processes, e.g. Checking for signs of contamination
  • Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records
  • Writing up research findings and producing reports
  • Keeping up with new research, and attending national and international conferences and other events
  • Liaising with colleagues from non-scientific departments
  • Teaching students, preparing assessment and providing feedback

Providing information and advice to colleagues and external bodies

Entry requirements

Entry into research roles generally requires a doctoral degree in a relevant subject, for example:

  • Microbiology
  • Biological sciences
  • Biology (with a specialism in microbiology)
  • Applied biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Microbial sciences
  • Biomedical sciences

Doctoral level microbiologists typically start their careers in research, with higher education postdoctoral positions the most common. For those looking to leave higher education and enter clinical work, there are two main scientific occupations where microbiologists (who are not medically qualified) can work in a clinical setting: as a biomedical scientist and as a clinical scientist (or, in this specific context, a clinical microbiologist).

A degree in biomedical sciences is advisable, although not essential, for entry as a biomedical scientist in hospital medical microbiology laboratories. A list of accredited degree programmes is available through the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)  . Biomedical scientists must hold the Certificate of Competence awarded by the IBMS and be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) . A new co-terminus route, which incorporates the necessary laboratory training for HPC registration is also available. Graduates in other related science subjects taking an MSc in Microbiology can also specialise in this area.

As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (STP) replaced the previous Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. The recruitment for the healthcare scientist training positions takes place early in the year for the September intake. Recruitment usually begins in February, with a closing date in mid-March.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following employability skills:

  • A good level of numeracy
  • IT skills
  • Accuracy and a methodical approach
  • Excellent written and oral communication
  • Extremely high standards of health and safety.

Potential employers will often require you to have experience of good laboratory practice (GLP).

Salary

Clinical scientist trainees in the NHS typically start on salaries that range from £22,886 to £31,004 (salary data collected July 2009).

Research and development work in pharmaceutical firms, public health laboratories and medical research council units earn higher salaries, in the range of £27,600 to £36,416. (salary data collected July 2009).

Contract and agency work is not uncommon, particularly at the start of a research career.

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering microbiology were:

Career stories

None available

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