Job Features

• A clinical microbiologist uses a microscope to study the bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa that cause infectious disease. Most microbiologists spend the majority of their working hours in a laboratory setting. Clinical microbiologists identify disease-causing pathogens, test new antimicrobial medicines and devise strategies for preventing the spread of contagious illnesses.
  
  

Employers

• Clinical microbiologists work in a variety of settings. Clinical microbiologists supervise infection control procedures in hospitals to ensure that illnesses do not spread among patients. Medical centers and private laboratories hire clinical microbiologists as researchers. Public health departments employ clinical microbiologists to develop strategies for preventing and controlling epidemics and other health emergencies. Clinical microbiologists who hold a doctoral degree can teach microbiology at universities.
  
  

Job Outlook and Salary

• The number of available jobs for biological scientists like microbiologists will increase at a faster than average rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that microbiologists earn an median annual salary of $64,350 per year.
  
  

Education

• A bachelor's degree in microbiology is sufficient for various applied research jobs and technical positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011 Occupation Outlook Handbook. Clinical microbiologists who achieve a doctoral degree work as independent researchers, university professors and in administrative positions.
  
  

Skills

• Clinical microbiology requires investigative and critical thinking, time-management skills and the ability to work independently. Clinical microbiologists use high-tech equipment and must be able to operate and maintain this equipment properly. Microbiologists need a strong background in mathematics.