Microbiologist
Job Summary
Responsible for investigating the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Studies microbial processes in the environment, in the human body, in food, and in other areas.
Primary Responsibilities
- Investigate the growth, death, disease, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi
- Examine microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites which are of medical importance and are capable of causing infectious diseases in human beings.
- Supervise clinical consultations on the investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients suffering from infectious diseases.
- Establish infection control programs.
- Educate the public on communicable disease prevention and epidemiology.
- Preside over the scientific and administrative direction of a diagnostic microbiology laboratory.
- Isolate and make cultures of microorganisms.
- Study how microorganisms develop and reproduce as well as their distribution in nature.
- Use special equipment to study microorganisms including light microscopes, electron microscopes, centrifuges, glass tubes, slides, and computers.
- Increase knowledge about the life processes common to microbes.
- Study the ways that the organisms enter the bodies of humans and animals, establish themselves, and cause disease.
- Study the body's defensive responses to microorganisms.
- Combat problems such as outbreaks of epidemics, food poisoning, and the pollution of air and water.
- Seek ways to control the growth of harmful bacteria in oceans and rivers.
- Test drinking water, milk supplies, and other substances that can affect the health of the general public.
