Microbiologist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices and laboratories
- May work in hazardous conditions involving chemicals, microbes or infectious diseases
- Need to be methodical, safety conscious and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Study bacteria, viruses and fungi
- Grow bacteria, viruses and fungi
- Analyse biological samples
- Sort microorganisms into groups
- Study diseases and parasites
- Check the health of soil and water
- Monitor environmental impacts
- Prepare reports
- Guide lab staff
Outlook
Microbiology plays an important role in health, environmental management, food safety and biotechnology. Advances in genomics, genetic sequencing and bioinformatics are helping scientists better understand microorganisms and respond to challenges such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. In New Zealand, growing investment in biotechnology and genomic research is supporting innovation and creating new opportunities across a range of scientific fields.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Curiosity and scientific thinking
- Confidence working with data and technology
- Ability to follow research and testing protocols
- Teamwork and communication skills
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.