Microbiologists are exciting career profiles that occupy a crucial role in understanding the concept and execution of the world of microorganisms. These microscopic organisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae and their subcategories.
The primary area of study covers the numerous infections caused by microorganisms and their effect on the health and lives of the surrounding environment (especially human beings). It is a wide niche and an exciting prospect for passionate takers on the subject.
The career opportunities for microbiologists are nothing short of significant and are presently available in India and abroad. This blog article glances at the biggest career impact that microbiology can provide you with an onus on foreign prospects and the numerous certification courses that you need to complete for following your passion.
Role of Microbiologist
The role of microbiologists is visible in a lot of domains, mainly in the science field. Some of the popular areas where you can provide value as a microbiologist are healthcare, agriculture and food security, environment and climate change, biotechnology, research and development science, ecology and engineering and clinical research.
We will check the top core areas here in detail.
● Healthcare
No other domain derives more value from the field of microbiology than the original use cases mentioned in the healthcare category. You may feel the overwhelming sense of microbiologists experiencing an evergreen productive role while considering different career paths in healthcare.
Look at any top healthcare expert team who provides value to the field of science and technology, and you will find microbiologists. They include academic research, biomedicine, biotechnology, clinical research, immunology, nanotechnology, pharmacology, research science, medicinal chemistry and forensic science.
● Environment and Climate Change
In the category of environment and climate change, you can contribute your microbiology skills in ecology, environmental engineering, water quality science, marine biology, life sciences applications, etc. The unique skill set that you need to navigate through the domain makes it an attractive domain.
Typical employers in the environmental category include public and private organizations, entities focused on key slogans like climate and weather change management and research institutions funded by top business conglomerates.
● Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture and food security are underrated impact areas for professional microbiologists pursuing their passion. Opportunities are available in the technical brewery, food technology, nutrition profiles and food products monitoring processes.
For testing new agricultural produce across the world, microbiology plays a prominent role at regional, national and international levels.
You may even opt for unique profiles with your microbiology credential that include the likes of a scientific writer, physician associate, academic coordinator, etc.
What is the Best Option After M.Sc. Microbiology?
The scope and potential for a candidate with M.Sc. in Microbiology are plenty. You can opt for multiple professional opportunities that range from biomedical fields to quality assurance and technology profiles.
Many performance indicators suggest the role that academic research offers to microbiologists is special, considering how holding a PhD will improve your choices. At the same time, it will let you identify your passion and seriousness regarding the profile and capacity to explore microbiology.
Careers as Microbiologist
You will be amazed to learn about the list of career opportunities in microbiology, as it is nothing short of incredible. Some of the most popular and proven career choices that you can follow if you are a microbiologist are listed below.
- General Microbiologist
- Biomedical Scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Research Scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Environmental Engineer
- Medicinal Chemist
- Food Technologist
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Immunologist
- Marine Biologist
- Forensic Scientist
- Ecologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Parasitologist
- Mycologist
- Cosmetic Scientist
- Personal Care Product Technologist
- Pharmaceutical Technologist
- Industrial Sales Personnel
- Virologist
- Water Quality Technician
- Microbiology Professor
- Laboratory Technical Support Specialist
- Science Writer
- Physician Associate
- Agricultural Scientist
- Geoscientist
- Natural Science Manager
- Conservation Scientist and Forester
- Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist
The above is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the most common tasks, duties and responsibilities that microbiologists cover across the globe.
● How to Become A Microbiologist?
The question that might occupy your mind the most if you are a fresher in the domain is how to become a microbiologist. It starts with understanding the know-how and application of a few skills that you should muster to excel in your role as a microbiologist.
The specific skills that will help you are communication skills, interpersonal skills, observation, mathematics, logical thinking and reasoning, perseverance, problem-solving skills, time management, attention to detail and team coordination skills.
For an entry-level route to the industry, learn and acquire graduation in microbiology. A related field will also work, but direct graduation will help you proceed with Masters and a PhD in a more suitable manner. Always acquire your learning from an approved and reputed college/university.
Training programs and internships will be a huge asset, considering how those will help you form your resume. It is beneficial for moving abroad too, as the skill set will improve and mould that matches the foreign healthcare conditions.
Microbiologist Job Opportunities Abroad
With the inclusion of high-profile and popular niches like healthcare, food and environment, the job opportunities for microbiologists are spread across the globe. You can migrate to and settle in many countries, and the foreign opportunities for microbiology are worth your time and effort.
You can easily find jobs in Europe, Australia, the USA, Singapore, etc., with a Master’s in Microbiology. Some of the top preferred profiles you can select to flex your Microbiology skill muscles are laboratory analyst, microbiology technician, associate scientist, food quality control technician and quality assurance associate.
There is no one-size-fits-all scenario while pursuing a microbiologist profile. You either have to specialize in one key skill that matches the area of your potential expertise or join the specialization and upskill on the go.
● Salary of A Microbiologist Abroad
The median salary rates for microbiologists in foreign countries are nearly 80,000 US dollars annually. This amount will individually depend on the various licenses, certifications, specialization courses and permission registrations that you hold.
The yearly salary rate for fresher candidates or low-income earners is nearly 45,000 US dollars. It could rise above numbers in the range of $1,36,000 if you are among the best in the category.
The best industries that you can select to receive the maximum average wages as a microbiologist include Federal Government services, research, development & life sciences profiles, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, local Government administration and academic/healthcare institutions.
Which Country Has The Broadest Scope for Microbiologists?
No country tops the United States of America when it comes to offering job opportunities for microbiologists. For students pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Microbiology, the preferred destinations are the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands (Holland).
The US market for microbiology is so advanced that you will never have to struggle for seeking relevant opportunities. The domain is vibrant and dynamic, with unlimited potential for growth if your skills and passion match the requirements of the industry.
Your chances to have a crack at the microbiologist profile start from the school and university level and are bound to create twinning options with other markets like the booming ones in France, Germany, Canada, etc.
How to Get A Job Abroad After Completing An M.Sc. in Microbiology?
With an M.Sc. Microbiology in your resume, you are already en route to building a successful life and career with the right deployment of skills. Since you have chosen the specialization subject of your interest, pick the career priority and goals based on the exact path.
It is recommended to have a few years of work experience along with your Master’s to boost your chances of launching the right dream job. Remember to follow up with the registration and application process for the jobs. It should duly follow the guidelines, terms and conditions mentioned on the respective portals.
An extensive check-up whether the application is in online or offline mode is required to build on your migration and settling ambitions.
● Chances to Get A Job in The USA
The best job market for microbiologists is in the USA. Your chances of securing a dream job in microbiology profile are not too far away with the right amount of research, skills and adequate efforts on your part. Indians have tons of chances to move to the USA and settle permanently in microbiologist profiles.
You can apply for quality analysis/assurance/control jobs. There are possibilities in the R & D domain with a focus on food, pharmaceuticals, agricultural industries and packaged items categories.
The qualification process includes GRE clearance, TOEFL or IELTS clearance, university or scholarship routes, etc., to enhance the chances of your dream job. For the microbiology profiles, you may refer to industrial opportunities as well.
Exams to Work As A Microbiologist in Other Countries
For pursuing your dream profile undertakings about the microbiology topic, you need to possess specific licenses, registrations, certifications, etc. These possessions vary by country according to the guidelines issued by the corresponding authorities and bodies governing the niche in that country.
Let’s take a look at some of the top licenses and registrations that will help you settle down in the microbiologist role in numerous countries.
● DHA, MOH, Prometric, HAAD & Others
The DHA exam for Microbiologists helps potential candidates in getting a license for practising in their area of interest in the healthcare field in Dubai. The licensing package starts from an application process on the respective portal and ends with the qualification and migration for selected candidates.
MOH test includes the Ministry of Health exam for microbiologists to help them settle in the healthcare domain in Sharjah. Prometric exams work for multiple locations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc. Each geographic location involves a specific test pattern while considering the Prometric licensure for microbiologists practising in the respective country.
HAAD is the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and conducts specific tests for microbiologists to acquire a healthcare license to practise working in the domain.
The other tests include PLAB (Professional & Linguistic Assessment Board) involving training programme for the UK, NRCM (National Registry of Certified Microbiologists) and ABMM (American Board of Medical Microbiology) in the USA and various medical microbiology certificates for Europe.
● How to Apply
The application procedure for the different registration licensures is in online mode. You may register on the designated portal and log in to access your dashboard. Enter all the details and upload forms and documents that satisfy the eligibility criteria for the particular license in question.
Don’t forget to pay the fees mentioned on the portal and which could include extra charges based on your use case situation. The education and training duties and responsibilities are covered in the dashboard, helping you prepare in advance.
Register for the test and perform as per your capacity on the assigned date. On the scheduled date, the results will come out, and you will know your status on proceeding with the license and the corresponding shift to a foreign country of your choice.
● Eligibility
The eligibility criteria are something that will be strictly monitored for these exams and license tests. What you can do is get a thorough idea about all the eligibility conditions you should satisfy to make the shift as a microbiologist.
This could include documents that prove your numerous identification verifications, education, work experience and photos. It’s good to know about everything in advance before applying for the test.
Register for the license application only after uploading all the relevant and mandatory documents for meeting the desired eligibility.
Wrapping Up
There is no lack of career opportunities for the right candidate pursuing the microbiology subject. You must determine beforehand your passion, skills, perseverance, persistence and capability to stay and grow in the profile.
Once you join the microbiology journey, be prepared to stay on it for the long haul, as it takes dedicated effort and time to focus on the core areas that highlight the domain. All the best wishes in your microbiology career.