Microbiologist

As a microbiologist you could be employed in federal, state, territory and local government organisations, including research organisations and hospitals.

You will also find positions in the private sector in a wide range of industries, such as agriculture, food production and pharmaceuticals.

Microbiologists:

• develop products, such as antibiotics, detergents or cosmetics, that either combat diseases caused by pathogenic micro-organisms or harness the positive capabilities of micro-organisms
• identify the microbes that cause illness, examining their susceptibility to antibiotics and giving advice on appropriate treatment
• prevent and control the spread of harmful microbes
• advise on public health policies
• examine natural products for their ability to inhibit the growth of dangerous microbes and apply their findings to the medical and food industries
• investigate the potential of microbes to improve human and animal health through nutrition
• develop and improve fermented drinks and foods
• research the microbiology of plants and use microbes to control pests, weeds and animal diseases
• study DNA and the use of bacteria to introduce specially engineered genes into an organism in order to fight disease or to change a specific feature of the organism
• use their knowledge of microbiology to minimise the environmental impact of production and aid the clean-up of existing pollution
• investigate the ways in which micro-organisms can be used to improve and enhance products that impact on quality of life, such as food and beverages

Source: myFuture