Microbiologists
Career Definition:
A microbiologist studies microorganisms, which are living things that are extremely small in size. Microorganisms include fungi, bacteria, and viruses which all have very different cellular structures.
Day-to-Day Life:
Microbiologists can lead research teams to investigate the importance of different microorganisms. For example, a microbiologist might study how a certain bacteria affects the immune system of a human or animal.
Microbiologists are also involved in the production of pharmaceutical products, particularly in the testing and manufacturing stages of a medication. With their excellent understanding of microorganisms, microbiologists work in labs to ensure that medication and similar equipment are sterile or clean from lingering bacteria that could cause infections.
Well-Known Figures:
Some well known microbiologists include Louis Pasteur and Agnes Ullmann. Louis Pasteur created the rabies vaccine and the process of pasteurization, which preserves meat and other foods from spoiling due to exposure to microorganisms.
Education Path:
If you are interested in becoming a microbiologist, many get their start in college as a microbiology, cellular biology, or biochemistry major. In general, most microbiologists only need a Bachelor’s Degree to enter the workforce, but some choose to further their education and receive PhDs to specialize.
