Microbiologist

Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Develop new products and procedures for sterilization, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.

Use a variety of specialized equipment such as electron microscopes, gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters and phosphorimagers.

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

Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens and toxins.

Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.

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

Provide laboratory services for health departments, for community environmental health programs, and for physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.

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

Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.

Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.

Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.

Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.

Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.