Microbiologist

As a microbiologist you'll study micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae. Your work could be used to prevent diseases, make new medicines or grow more food.

There's so much variety in microbiology. If you work in healthcare as a clinical microbiologist, for example, you'll identify pathogens – which produce diseases – and work out how to protect communities from the spread of infection.

Or you could do research and development in different areas, including:

• pharmaceuticals

• food

• agriculture

• environment

• education

• biotechnology

Your tasks might include:

• monitoring, identifying and helping to control infectious diseases

• using molecular biology techniques to develop and test new medicines and treatments for disease

• assessing the use of microbes for producing food, protecting crops and improving soil fertility

• checking the quality and safety of manufactured food and medical products

• using micro-organisms to control pollution and break down toxic substances

• developing ways to dispose of waste safely

You'll present the findings of your research, supervise the work of support staff and do administrative work.

If you work as a researcher and lecturer in a university or teaching hospital, you'll tutor, mentor and supervise students.

Green job 

In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.

• Microbiology Society – check out careers resources, whether you're starting out or changing careers

• Society for Applied Microbiology – find out about their work in environment, health, agriculture and industry, and access their webinars and journals

• NHS Scotland Careers – find out what it takes to become a microbiology clinical scientist