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Bacteriologist

Do you want to become a Bacteriologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Bacteriologists study micro-organisms - bacterial organisms that are too small to be seen without being magnified. They often specialise in working with a single group of micro-organisms. Bacteriologists interpret and analyse findings from research. The work may involve:

• designing and conducting experiments
• understanding health and safety issues
• making observations and drawing conclusions
• writing reports and scientific papers
• presenting papers at scientific meetings and conferences.

Research bacteriologists usually work 37 hours a week, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may be required for fieldwork or longer experiments. Clinical bacteriologists usually work 37.5 hours a week. They are based in hospital laboratories, where shift work is common to cover a 24-hour service.

Salaries for bacteriologists range from around £11,500 to £50,000 a year.

Bacteriologists need to:

• have strong scientific ability
• be good at working with their hands
• be able to work to tight deadlines when required
• have good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team
• have a strong interest in biochemistry.

There are 550 bioscience companies in the UK, employing more than 40,000 people, many of whom are bacteriologists. There are opportunities throughout the country, although many jobs are available in the South East. They may work within NHS or private hospitals, although some are based within industry, government departments, pharmaceutical companies or private research organisations.

Entry is usually with a relevant science degree, which includes some study of microbiology. Relevant subjects include biochemistry, biology, chemistry, microbiology and medical laboratory sciences. It can also be possible to start work in a technician-level post, such as a laboratory assistant, with four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). Entrants may also train through an Apprenticeship or an NHS Cadet scheme.

Bacteriologists receive training in the workplace and often study towards higher qualifications. They might also take exams for membership or fellowship of a professional body. Technicians may study towards NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 to 4 in Laboratory Skills.

There may be opportunities for promotion to supervisory or managerial roles. Career prospects may be improved with additional qualifications. Some bacteriologists working in industry move into the more commercial aspects of the work.

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