USA Career Guide- Microbiologists
Education and Training Required to be Microbiologists in the USA
Microbiologists
need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related
field such as biochemistry or cell biology. Many colleges and
universities offer degree programs in biological sciences, including
microbiology.
Microbiologists typically need a Ph.D. to carry
out independent research and work in colleges and universities. Graduate
students studying microbiology commonly specialize in a subfield such
as bacteriology or virology. It typically takes 4 to 6 years to complete
a doctoral degree program in microbiology.
Training
To
commence career many microbiology Ph.D. holders work in a temporary
postdoctoral research position, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years.
During their postdoctoral appointment, they work with experienced
scientists as they continue to learn about their specialties or develop a
broader understanding of related areas of research.
It gives an
opportunity to publish research work that can be essential to get
permanent position in basic research, especially a permanent faculty
position in a college or university.
Job Prospects of Microbiologists in the USA
Employment
of microbiologists is projected to increase by 13 percent from 2010 to
2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Microbiologists
will be needed to research and develop new medicines and treatments,
such as vaccines and antibiotics that are used to fight infectious
diseases, to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies develop
biological drugs that are produced with the aid of
microorganisms.Finally, efforts to discover new and improved ways to
clean up and preserve the environment also will increase demand for
microbiologists.
Pay of Microbiologists in the USA
The median annual wage of
microbiologists was $65,920 in May 2010.
Median annual wages in the
industries employing the largest numbers of microbiologists in May 2010
Federal government, excluding postal service $94,960 Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences $68,040 State government, excluding education and hospitals $63,950 Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing $62,350 Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state $49,360
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition
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Industrial Overview of Microbiologists in the USA
Microbiologists held about 20,300 jobs in 2010. The industries employing the largest numbers of microbiologists in 2010 were as follows:
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences 25%
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 23 %
Federal government, excluding postal service 14 %
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state 7 %
State government, excluding education and hospitals 7 %