Microbiologist
Job Profiles
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/microbiologist
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/microbiologist
Useful Links
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-microbiologist
https://microbiologysociety.org/careers/what-microbiologists-do.html
https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/my-career-options/job-profiles/microbiologist
Microbiologists study organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae to make advances in environmental science, medicine and agriculture. On a day to day basis they may test patient samples to identify infections and monitor outbreaks, develop new medical treatments using microbiology techniques, investigate how microorganisms make antibodies, vaccines and hormones, assess the impact of microbes in foods, crops and soils, check the safety of manufactured food or medicines, use microorganisms to control pollution and develop biofuels and much more. You could work at a university or in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.
Taken from gov 2024.
HOW TO BECOME A MICROBIOLOGIST
You can get into this career through many different routes including:
University- you could study a degree to attain this career.
Apprenticeship- you could find an apprenticeship to support you in gaining this role.
Working towards this role- you could get an entry level job for this role.
University route
To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:
microbiology
biology
life sciences
biological science
Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiol or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
Training programme for the NHS
If you want to work in the NHS as a microbiologist, you could apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree.
You'll train on the job, get paid a salary and receive a master's degree at the end.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Personal Statement Help
https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples/microbiology-personal-statement
https://www.wowessays.com/personal-statement/microbiology-personal-statements/
Apprenticeship route
You may be able to become a microbiologist by doing an apprenticeship, for example:
Laboratory Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Research Scientist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
Apprenticeship Finders
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Interview Help
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/microbiology-interview-questions
https://lab-training.com/commonly-asked-interview-questions-for-microbiologist-with-answers/