O*NET Career Intelligence

Microbiologists

SOC 19-1022.00

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Zone 5 Life, Physical, and Social Science

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Science

4.5

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Writing

4.1

Active Listening

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Speaking

3.9

Active Learning

3.9

Monitoring

3.8

Knowledge Areas 8

Biology

4.4

English Language

4.1

Chemistry

3.5

Mathematics

3.4

Computers and Electronics

3.3

Education and Training

3.3

Administration and Management

3.0

Medicine and Dentistry

3.0

Key Tasks

1Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.

2Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.

3Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.

4Provide laboratory services for health departments, for community environmental health programs, and for physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.

5Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Also Known As

Bacteriologist Clinical Laboratory Scientist Clinical Microbiologist Cytologist Electron Microscopist Medical Microbiologist Microbiological Analyst Microbiological Laboratory Technician Microbiologist Microbiology Analyst