Microbiologists

Microbiologists typically perform the following tasks: • Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition. • Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment. • 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. • Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens. • 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. • 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. • Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.