Microbiologist
Comprehensive Sites
American Society for Microbiology: Careers in the Microbiological SciencesThe topics at this page offer overviews of where a microbiologist might work, career options, getting that first job, and possible earning potential. Career brochure information can be requested, too.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Biological ScientistCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for biological scientists, including microbiologists. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about this career in the sciences.
Microbes.infoThis microbiology information portal offers resources across subdisciplines in microbiology, organizations, publications, news, events, and forums. The spotlight section discusses hot topics in the field, including hot germ news and a disease watch. You can access journals here, take a look at forum discussions, and get answers to frequently asked questions about the field.
Molecular Biology GatewayWeb resources for molecular biology, genomics, lab protocols, and microbiology are all found at this portal, including recommended reading, journals, genetics information, microorganisms, and laboratory testing procedures. After each encyclopedic entry, you will also find a variety of additional Internet resources for the topic.
Princeton Review: MicrobiologyGet some basic information about microbiology as a branch of biology, and discover the some of its related jobs and field. At the left, you can connect to high school preparation for this career, schools offering a microbiology major, or access a sample undergraduate curriculum.
Occupational Titles
Microbiologist
Bacteriologist
Environmental Microbiologist
Food Microbiologist
Industrial Microbiologist
Medical Microbiologist
Mycologist
Protozoologist
Virologist
Microbial Epidemiologist
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: Schools Offering MicrobiologyFind a list of schools across the U.S. that offer a degree in microbiology. Click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in.
Salary Levels
PayScale: MicrobiologistClick on this link to find the median salary by years of experience for a microbiologist at the table here. Scroll further down the page, and you will find very similar information on salary according to the city employed in or employer type.
Salary of a BiologistCombining information on many different types of scientists, this fact sheet includes the source entry, a result, and summarized information on the salary of microbiologists and jobs for graduates with a B.S. in biology.
Professional Organizations
American Institute of Biological SciencesDiscover the scientific association dedicated to the advancement of all biological research and the education and scientific programs it provides. A page at this site is dedicated to information on careers in biology, while other subsites offer publications and news, online social networking, and meeting details. Student chapters are organized, with information on how to start your own and sample resources for students.
American Society for MicrobiologySearch the site to locate departments on publications, meetings, awards, grants, and education. Constituent groups of this organization include high school students, college students, and post-doctoral scientists. If you are in high school, you will find microbiology career information that discusses many possibilities in the field and offers other resources. Undergraduate students will find information on travel grants, a science education network of mentors, and college funding opportunities to earn advanced degrees in sciences.
Federation of American Societies for Experimental BiologyMany publication resources are available from the menu at the top of this page, in addition to current news in the field of experimental biology at the home page. Career resources have their own separate department, and a link exists to a list of societies that are currently participating in the Federation. Each organization has its own benefits, and you might want to go to their separate home pages to learn more.
Society for General MicrobiologyBased in the United Kingdom, this organization promotes the science of microbiology and offers a who’s who section, publications, and information on careers and education. Free career resources include a brochure, poster, and booklet on a future career in microbiology.
Society for Industrial MicrobiologyPublications and other career resources are contained this organization’s site, devoted to the industrial application of microbiology. You can find a career brochure and other information on industrial discovery and research.
Job Opportunity Sources
American Institute of Biological Sciences: Careers in the Biological SciencesAnswers to frequently asked questions about biological careers are found at this site, as well as a link to careers in biology information and a separate classified ad section.
Indeed.com: MicrobiologistOver 1,000 positions are listed at this compilation of opportunities, drawn from several large nationwide databases, private employers, and government entities.
Publications
Critical Reviews in MicrobiologyAccess the current and past tables of contents of this publication, as well as plenty of open access articles at this page of a very important journal in the world of microbiologists.
NatureFind the latest news in the field of biological sciences at the headlines here, with excellent news and information in the field all available from your laptop. The Nature network is filled with blogs, forums, and people to connect with, and the online publication can be browsed by popular biological topics.
Nature Reviews MicrobiologyThis may be one of the most important publications in the field of microbiology. Here, you will find research highlights, news and analysis, review articles, and perspectives from experts in the field. The Web Focus section is a selection of articles providing a broad view of a key area in the field, including monthly additions on vaccines, marine biology, genetics, and antimicrobial strategies.
Science MagazineFind career information, as well as scientific research and news, at this online version of Science magazine. A current online issue is offered that provides a multimedia department where you can listen to podcasts, find images and slides, or view videos on such topics as gene regulation. View previous issues by subject or explore special features of the publication.
SmithsonianIf you are interested in biology, you will find many departments at the Smithsonian online magazine to keep you busy, including the science and nature section. You can explore feature articles, anthropology and behavior, the environmental sciences, and wildlife.
Online Forums & Blogs
American Institute of Biological Sciences: Online Social NetworkingThe American Institute of Biological Sciences has created networking groups on Facebook and LinkedIn that any interested person can join. Services are free and include Facebook main groups and coalition groups that the Institute supports, including Diversity in Biological Sciences and the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science. If you do not already have one, simply create a Facebook account to get started.
BlogFlux Microbiology BlogsA variety of blogs can be accessed from this page on bacterium, education, student life, and much more in the field of microbiology and its related fields.
Microbiology BlogThis weblog for microbiologists and students includes discussions of up-to-date research, upcoming conferences, and hot topics in the field. Enter search terms in the box at the left of the page to get the most out of this resource. Or take a look at the archives, and post your own comments.
Career Videos
Great MicrobiologistsListen to an animated presentation of microbiology study and how some scientists have become successful in this field and its subdisciplines, such as medical microbiology—a very entertaining history lesson!
Iseek: BiologistsWatch a video about the jobs of biological scientists, including the various life processes behaviors and diseases they study, as well as the structures of life forms they are interested in. Find out the difference between basic and applied research, as well as the tasks that all biologists have in common. You can also click on related links to work activities, skills, preparation, wages, jobs, and certifications in the field.
YouTube: Microbiologists Career DescriptionLearn about the study of microorganisms and how these professionals work in the study of disease and understanding microscopic bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. You will also find out about the job of virus hunting, working with a research team, employment in the private sector and government, and the education needed for this career.
