What qualifications do you need to become a microbiologist?

The vast world of microorganisms was uncovered until the two fellows of The Royal Society, Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek used a microscope to discover the depiction of protozoa and bacteria during the 1670s. Microscopy took around 150 years to be recognized as the backbone in understanding the roles of microorganisms in causing infectious diseases and recycling chemical elements in the biosphere.

Scientists worldwide have made several discoveries throughout the centuries explaining how microbes impact our world. In 2019, the outbreak of novel coronavirus across the globe accentuated the importance of microbiologists in combating uncertain global pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic not only claimed millions of lives worldwide but also brought together leaders in academia, government, and industries to prepare for large-scale outbreaks and pandemics. Thus, the demand for microbiologists is skyrocketing to work on the challenges and opportunities presented to the scientific community owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Demand for microbiologists in the world

There is a considerable demand for skilled microbiologists in a spectrum of industries, such as agriculture, food and beverage, chemicals, environmental agencies, hospitals, research laboratories, universities, and pharmaceuticals companies. Top Indian companies that hire professional microbiologists include Cipla, Pfizer, Himedia Laboratories, Kemin Industries, VMware, Apollo Hospitals, Johnson & Johnson, Sun Pharma, Mascot International, Piramal Group, Sun Pharma, Fortis Hospitals, and Indian Hotel Company.

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment of microbiologists is expected to grow 5 percent between 2020 and 2030. Besides this, a professional microbiologist in India makes more than three lakhs per annum for an entry-level job. According to PayScale, the average salary of microbiologists in India is INR 3,13,020.

How to become a microbiologist?

In order to become a professional microbiologist, you need to take up an undergraduate degree in science followed by an MSc microbiology. Please note that you must have completed a bachelor’s in Biology, Biotechnology, Pharma, Food Science Technology, Microbiology, Nursing, Biochemistry, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Zoology, or Environmental Science with flying colors pursue an MSc in microbiology. Besides seeking an MSc in microbiology, you need to complete classes 10 and 12 with a minimum score of 50 percent. Notably, universities conduct a personal interviews to select the most eligible candidates for the course.

An overview of MSc in microbiology

Master of Science (MSc) in microbiology is a two-year postgraduate program specializing in Food and Environmental Microbiology and Medical and Pharmaceutical Microbiology.

The two-year course covers subjects like Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbial Physiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bacteriology, Cell Biology, Virology, Metabolism, Food and Data Microbiology, and Human Physiology.

Career paths after MSc in microbiology

1. Research Assistant
2. Food, Industrial or Environmental Microbiologist
3. Quality Assurance Technologist
4. Sales or Technical Representative
5. Medical Technologist
6. Biomedical Scientist
7. Clinical and Veterinary Microbiologist
8. Clinical Research Associate
9. Pharmacologist
10. Research Scientist

Conclusion

As the demand for microbiologists has gone up due to the ongoing pandemic, an MSc in microbiology is the best way to launch your career in this field. So, browse top universities in India to pursue the master’s course in MSc in microbiology. Apply now!