National

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.

Sample of reported job titles: Microbiologist, Microbiological Analyst, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Bacteriologist, Study Director, Microbiological Laboratory Technician, Microbiology Laboratory Manager, Professor of Microbiology, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist), Clinical Microbiologist

Tasks

• Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
• Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
• Provide laboratory services for health departments, for community environmental health programs and for physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
• 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 phosphoimagers.
• Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
• Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
• Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
• Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
• Study the structure and function of human, animal and plant tissues, cells, pathogens and toxins.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Technology used in this occupation:

* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.

19-1020.01	Biologists
19-1021.00	Biochemists and Biophysicists
19-1023.00	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
19-2041.00	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
19-4011.02	Food Science Technicians
29-2011.00	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists