19-1022.00

Microbiologists

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.

Career Cluster:Agriculture
Job Family:Life, Physical, and Social Science
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Technology Tools

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
  • Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
  • Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
  • Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
  • Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
  • 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.
  • Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
  • Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
  • Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
  • Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
  • Develop new products and procedures for sterilization, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.
  • Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.

Skills

Science
91%
Reading Comprehension
78%
Writing
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Speaking
72%
Active Learning
72%
Active Listening
72%
Judgment and Decision Making
69%
Complex Problem Solving
66%
Monitoring
66%
Learning Strategies
66%
Mathematics
53%
Time Management
50%
Coordination
50%
Systems Analysis
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
50%
Instructing
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Operations Analysis
47%
Systems Evaluation
47%
Quality Control Analysis
47%
Operations Monitoring
44%
Persuasion
41%
Negotiation
41%
Operation and Control
38%
Management of Financial Resources
31%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Troubleshooting
25%
Programming
22%
Technology Design
22%
Equipment Selection
19%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Biology
93%
Chemistry
71%
English Language
66%
Computers and Electronics
65%
Education and Training
63%
Mathematics
58%
Engineering and Technology
50%
Administrative
48%
Customer and Personal Service
48%
Public Safety and Security
47%
Administration and Management
46%
Production and Processing
44%
Medicine and Dentistry
41%
Communications and Media
40%
Law and Government
38%
Telecommunications
38%
Personnel and Human Resources
35%
Food Production
33%
Mechanical
30%
Design
30%
Physics
30%
Economics and Accounting
27%
Psychology
24%
Sales and Marketing
24%
Geography
23%
Sociology and Anthropology
21%
Transportation
20%
Foreign Language
16%
Building and Construction
16%
History and Archeology
13%
Therapy and Counseling
11%
Philosophy and Theology
10%
Fine Arts
7%

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Abilities

Written Comprehension
81%
Inductive Reasoning
78%
Written Expression
78%
Deductive Reasoning
75%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Category Flexibility
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Information Ordering
72%
Near Vision
69%
Fluency of Ideas
69%
Flexibility of Closure
69%
Speech Recognition
66%
Selective Attention
63%
Speech Clarity
53%
Originality
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Visualization
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Far Vision
47%
Mathematical Reasoning
47%
Number Facility
47%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
44%
Control Precision
44%
Memorization
44%
Time Sharing
41%
Speed of Closure
41%
Manual Dexterity
41%
Reaction Time
28%
Depth Perception
28%
Multilimb Coordination
28%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Auditory Attention
25%
Static Strength
25%
Trunk Strength
25%
Rate Control
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
22%
Response Orientation
19%
Extent Flexibility
13%
Stamina
13%
Dynamic Strength
13%
Explosive Strength
10%
Gross Body Equilibrium
10%
Gross Body Coordination
10%
Sound Localization
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Night Vision
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Working with Computers
84%
Analyzing Data or Information
83%
Getting Information
82%
Documenting/Recording Information
82%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
81%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
81%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
80%
Processing Information
79%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
77%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
75%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
75%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
74%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
74%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
69%
Scheduling Work and Activities
69%
Thinking Creatively
69%
Controlling Machines and Processes
68%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
68%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
65%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
64%
Training and Teaching Others
64%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
62%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
61%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
60%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
57%
Performing Administrative Activities
56%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
54%
Coaching and Developing Others
52%
Developing and Building Teams
52%
Handling and Moving Objects
51%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
50%
Staffing Organizational Units
49%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
40%
Performing General Physical Activities
40%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
40%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
36%
Assisting and Caring for Others
36%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
36%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
31%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
30%
Selling or Influencing Others
26%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

96%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

94%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

93%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

90%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

80%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

79%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

78%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

76%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

75%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

73%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

73%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

72%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

72%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

71%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

69%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

67%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

66%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

63%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

63%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

62%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

61%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

58%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

58%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

57%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

57%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

55%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

49%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

47%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

46%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

44%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

42%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

41%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

40%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

40%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

38%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

36%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

26%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

25%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

22%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

22%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

21%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

19%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

18%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

18%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

17%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

17%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

16%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

12%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

11%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

10%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

7%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

6%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

6%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

5%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

5%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

1%

Education

Bachelor's degree

64%

Master's degree

14%

Associate's degree

9%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

100

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

72

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

48

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

19

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

14

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

3

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Intellectual Curiosity
100%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
80%
Innovation
76%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Integrity
70%
Perseverance
56%
Initiative
47%
Stress Tolerance
47%
Adaptability
45%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
45%
Self-Confidence
43%
Cooperation
39%
Leadership Orientation
36%
Self-Control
26%
Humility
25%
Sincerity
20%
Optimism
7%
Social Orientation
5%

Work Values

Recognition
72%
Achievement
67%
Independence
67%
Working Conditions
61%
Relationships
56%
Support
50%

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