Microbiologists
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.
At a Glance
Microbiologists earns a median of $87,330/yr with +4.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Biology, Science.
$87,330/yr
+4.1%
2
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (11)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Knowledge (6)
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Abilities (14)
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Technology (8)
Work Activities (25)
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Work Styles (3)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Sales and Related · 194 shared skills
Bioinformatics Technicians
Computer and Mathematical · 194 shared skills
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Architecture and Engineering · 194 shared skills
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 193 shared skills
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Business and Financial Operations · 193 shared skills
Agricultural Technicians
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 193 shared skills
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 193 shared skills
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 193 shared skills
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