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Microbiologists - 19-1022.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Bacteriologist
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist
  • Clinical Microbiologist
  • Microbiological Analyst
  • Microbiologist
  • Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist)

SOC Occupation Groups

19-0000 Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1000 Life Scientists
19-1020 Biological Scientists
19-1022.00 Microbiologists

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.
  • Develop new products and procedures for sterilization, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.
  • Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
  • Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
  • Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
  • Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
  • Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
  • Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
  • Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
  • Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
  • Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
  • Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
  • Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze biological samples.
  • Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
  • Classify organisms based on their characteristics or behavior.
  • Cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations.
  • Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
  • Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
  • Inspect condition of natural environments.
  • Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
  • Operate laboratory or field equipment.
  • Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Research diseases or parasites.
  • Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
  • Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Biochemistry (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory (Space Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Biomedical Laboratory Science (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Blood Bank (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Clinical Chemistry (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Environmental and Industrial Hygiene Chemistry (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Hematology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Microbiology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Microbiology (Space Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Biomedical Laboratory, Toxicologist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Medical Laboratory (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Microbiologist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Microbiologist (Navy - Warrant Officer only)
  • Microbiology (Army - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Microbiologist