Employers value the scientific, analytical and problem-solving skills developed by microbiology graduates

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Academic researcher
• Biomedical scientist
• Biotechnologist
• Clinical research associate
• Clinical scientist, immunology
• Food technologist
• Medicinal chemist
• Microbiologist
• Nanotechnologist
• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist (life sciences)
• Technical brewer
• Water quality scientist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Ecologist
• Environmental engineer
• Forensic scientist
• Marine biologist
• Physician associate
• Science writer

Work experience

Pre-entry experience in a laboratory is useful if you're thinking of a science-based career. Some degree courses include a year's work placement undertaking scientific research in industry, a government research laboratory or another relevant organisation.

Some companies provide funding to support research work in laboratories over the summer. Contact your careers service for information on these opportunities and other internships. Also, contact local hospital laboratories to find out about work experience or work shadowing opportunities.

Typical employers

Microbiology overlaps with other areas of biology such as genetics, molecular biology and immunology. This means there are opportunities for a microbiology-related career in a wide range of sectors. Typical employers include:

• healthcare organisations such as the NHS and private hospitals
• public health organisations such as Public Health England
• environmental organisations
• industry - food and drink, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, water and biotechnology companies
• forensic science laboratories
• publicly funded research organisations
• higher education institutions.

Skills for your CV

Studying microbiology helps you to develop a variety of subject-specific skills. These include the ability to:

• employ a range of investigative, recording and analysis techniques
• prepare, interpret and present data, using statistical programmes, qualitative and quantitative techniques and spreadsheets
• conduct literature searches and critically evaluate information
• undertake practical laboratory investigations in a safe, responsible and ethical manner
• apply scientific thought, rationales and approaches.

You also develop other more general skills, including:

• teamwork and the ability to work on your own initiative
• a flexible approach to work
• problem-solving skills
• communication
• time management and organisational skills
• the ability to evaluate your own performance and that of others.