Microbiologist Microbiologists study the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms (e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) and their interactions with their environment, and develop industrial, medical and other practical applications. Educational Requirements: 4 years post-secondary education/training Duties Microbiologists study the biochemical, physiological and genetic aspects of micro-organisms, and how micro-organisms interact. In general, this involves • conducting experiments to isolate and make cultures of specific micro-organisms under controlled conditions, • analyzing nucleic acids, proteins and other substances produced by micro-organisms, • performing tests on water, food and the environment to detect harmful micro-organisms and control sources of pollution and contamination, • observing, identifying and classifying micro-organisms, • isolating micro-organisms involved in breaking down pollutants, and • developing modified microbes for use in the production of specialty biologicals or for gene transfer. Medical microbiologists may also help scientists and physicians in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infections in animals and humans by investigating • how organisms cause disease and their role in disease processes, and • what factors contribute to the occurrence of disease in a population and how epidemics can be controlled. Work in microbiology is often interdisciplinary so microbiologists may work closely with chemists, biochemists, geneticists, genetic engineers, pathologists and other physicians, environmentalists, civil engineers, veterinarians and/or geologists. Microbiologists may specialize as • bacteriologists conducting research into the characteristics of bacteria or a particular aspect of bacteriology such as public health bacteriology, pharmaceutical bacteriology, hospital (clinical) bacteriology, environmental microbiology or biotechnology, • immunologists studying immune reactions in humans or animals, • molecular microbiologists investigating how bacteria or viruses function at the molecular level, • mycologists studying fungi, • virologists studying viruses, or • parasitologists studying parasites. Microbiologists use a variety of specialized equipment such as gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activiated cell sorters and phosphoimagers. Working Conditions  Some microbiologists, particularly those working in environmental, agricultural and veterinary fields, work outdoors some of the time. However, most of the work is indoors in laboratories and on computers. The pressure of having to meet project deadlines can be stressful. Following safety rules is extremely important to avoid chemical injury and exposure to infection when working with pathogens. Preventive inoculations help to protect medical microbiologists from the risk of disease. Skills, Interests, Values  Microbiologists need the following characteristics: • an inquiring mind and a wide interest in natural phenomena, • good communication skills, • manual dexterity (for transferring micro-organisms from one culture medium to another without contaminating samples, and for mounting and staining specimens), • patience, • the ability to pay attention to detail, and • a strong aptitude and background in chemistry, biochemistry and genetics. Microbiologists generally enjoy synthesizing information to find innovative solutions to problems, working with instruments and equipment at tasks which require precision, and directing the work of others.