Microbiologist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Microbiologist Do?
Microbiologists study and research the life forms, characteristics, and processes of microscopic organisms. They study microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, etc. in order to diagnose and counteract the effects that these microorganisms might have in animals, in the environment, in the food industry, or in the health care industry.
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Where Do I Start?
Virology
The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Microbiologist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialVirology knowledge
The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Recommended Books
5 books -
EssentialBotany knowledge
The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
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EssentialPathogenic Microorganisms knowledge
The main classes of pathogenic microorganisms, the spread of infection and the use of universal precautions.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialMicrobiology-bacteriology knowledge
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialBiology knowledge
Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialBiotechnology knowledge
The technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialClinical Cytology knowledge
The science of the formation, structure, and function of cells.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMedical Genetics knowledge
The diagnosis, types and treatment of hereditary disorders; a type of genetics which refers to the application to medical care.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMolecular Biology knowledge
The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCollect Biological Data skill
Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCollect Samples For Analysis skill
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialGather Experimental Data skill
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Research On Fauna skill
Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Research On Flora skill
Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDetect Microorganisms skill
Use various laboratory methods and tools such as gene amplification and sequencing to detect and identify microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in soil, air, and water samples.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSend Biological Samples To Laboratory skill
Forward collected biological samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 30 displayed)
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OptionalToxicology knowledge
The negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.
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OptionalPharmaceutical Chemistry knowledge
The chemical aspects of identification and synthetic alteration of chemical entities as they relate to therapeutic use. The way various chemicals affect biological systems and how they can be integrated …
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OptionalPharmaceutical Industry knowledge
The main stakeholders, companies and procedures in the pharmaceutical industry and the laws and regulations that govern the patenting, testing, safety and marketing of drugs.
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OptionalHelminthology knowledge
The scientific discipline that studies parasitic worms.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalBiological Chemistry knowledge
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCommunicable Diseases knowledge
Communicable diseases is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalImmunology knowledge
Immunology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLaboratory Techniques knowledge
Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalProduction Processes knowledge
Materials and techniques required in the production and distribution processes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalParasitology knowledge
The microbiology field that study parasites, their formation, and their hosts.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalHistology knowledge
The microscopic analysis of cells and tissues.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAdvise On Legislative Acts skill
Advise officials in a legislature on the propositioning of new bills and the consideration of items of legislation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Cell Cultures skill
Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Environmental Impact skill
Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist In Clinical Trials skill
Work with fellow scientists on clinical trials in order to improve medical methods for preventing, detecting, diagnosing, or treating diseases.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalControl Production skill
Plan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to insure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop New Food Products skill
Conduct experiments, produce sample products, and perform research as part of new food product development (NPD).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Pharmaceutical Drugs skill
Develop new therapeutic products according to the potential formulas, studies and indications recorded during the research process which involved also collaboration with physicians, biochemists and pharmacologists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Research Protocols skill
Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Laboratory Tests skill
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Lectures skill
Present lectures to various groups.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Compliance Documents skill
Prepare documents with legal value which prove that an installation or a facility is conform to the regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRecommend Product Improvements skill
Recomend product modifications and process improvements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise Laboratory Operations skill
Supervise the staff working in a laboratory, as well as oversee that equipment is functional and maintained, and procedures occur in compliance with regulations and legislation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Research Proposals skill
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalContribute To Registration Of Pharmaceutical Products skill
Participate in the registration process that allows the sale and distribution of substances that treat or prevent human and animal diseases or enable medical diagnosis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Bioremediation Techniques skill
Research and elaborate new methods to neutralise or remove contaminants using organisms that will transform pollutants into less toxic substances.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Vaccines skill
Create drugs that provide immunity against particular diseases by doing research and laboratory testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Specialist Pharmaceutical Advice skill
Provide specialist information and advice on medicinal products such as the appropriate use, the adverse reactions and the interactions with other medications.
Course recommendations coming soon.