Dear Microbiologist

Just one Post-It note of advice could change your career.

At the General Meeting 2015 in New Orleans, students, postdocs and early career scientists wandering around the exhibit floor found a board that said: “Post your career questions here and receive a free gift!” This triggered a range of questions scribbled on Post-it notes, such as: “What are my options outside of academia for a career?” Although we all enjoy a free gift, the biggest “gifts” in this case came from seasoned professionals who stopped by to leave answers. This question-and-answer activity revealed the next generation’s biggest concerns and effective ways to address them.

The roughly 500 questions and answers stuck on the board stretched from basic career advice to the sociology of science. Despite the small size of the Post-it notes, the professionals filled them with “big” answers. For example the answer to “Problem with your lab work?” was “First try your best but then ask for help. Don’t suffer in silence!” In some ways, that answer forms the heart and soul of this exercise, and revealed the teamwork found within the ASM community of microbiologists of both today and tomorrow.

What Degree for Me?

Many of the students asked questions about what the right degree level is for a job in microbiology. For example, they asked what they could do with a master’s degree, or if a Ph.D. was necessary. The answer really depends on what you want to do.

One professional wrote: “Talk to people at a variety of levels and degrees.” That person added, “An MS can be a very marketable degree. A Ph.D. can have you overqualified.” So not everyone needs a Ph.D. In fact, one person stopped by to write: “You don’t need to earn your Masters or Ph.D. to be an accomplished scientist! Working at the bench as a tech is a rewarding job!”

Nevertheless, here’s a great incentive for more education: “A doctorate in Microbiology will open more career doors.” To get those doors open, though, it can take more than a specific degree. One person pointed out the value of learning a variety of advanced techniques. Several noted the value of an internship.

In the end, getting any degree is about learning, and as someone wrote: “The best way to learn something is to teach it. Even if you’re teaching your dog.”

Picking a Postdoc

Some questions revolved around timing. For instance, a doctoral student asked when to look for a postdoc. One answer: “Start looking for a postdoctoral position at least a year before you plan to graduate.”

To get the most from a postdoc, many suggested one thing: “Get out there and sell your skills!” Also, try to gain as much experience with, and meet as many professional contacts who are already in, the career you want to move into.

To do that, you need to be prepared and proactive. “Don’t be afraid to approach someone you don’t know to ask about their science,” one professional wrote. “Develop your own ‘elevator’ speech so you can quickly tell someone what your skills and interests are if they approach you!”

A Collection of Career Options

When it came to careers, many of the questions delved into non-academic opportunities, from clinical research to government and industry and beyond.

Many professionals suggested considering all options. As one person wrote: “Go to every interview. It may not sound like something you want, but you [might] find it is wonderful and a perfect fit for you.”

The experts revealed the range of opportunities. One wrote: “Look into careers in Clinical Microbiology. There are lots of opportunities in health systems and biotech companies.” One professional even encouraged exploring opportunities beyond this world with: “Look to space. NASA wants to go back to the Moon to stay.” This person also talked about greenhouses on other planets, and concluded: “All this involves Microbes.”

The experts revealed the range of opportunities. One wrote: “Look into careers in Clinical Microbiology. There are lots of opportunities in health systems and biotech companies.” One professional even encouraged exploring opportunities beyond this world with: “Look to space. NASA wants to go back to the Moon to stay.” This person also talked about greenhouses on other planets, and concluded: “All this involves Microbes.”

A couple experts even pointed out jobs away from the bench. One wrote: “‘Off the Bench’, there is a world of opportunities: Clinical trials, policy, regulatory, quality, scientific/medical affairs, applications specialist/scientist…and the list goes on!”

Sociology of Science

Some of the questions explored the lifestyle of a professional scientist. One young scientist asked: “How do I stay motivated to write my paper when there are so many things to do in the lab that I enjoy more?” Although that question might need a personalized answer, one general comment provides a useful tactic: “Make a list every day of what you want to accomplish. It will help keep you on task with so many daily distractions.”

As a general approach to science, some of the experts encouraged taking risks. “Don’t be scared to take chances and talk to leaders in your field,” one expert wrote. “You will learn so much more! Life begins at the end of your comfort zone!” Another wrote: “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Creativity is amazing and can take you into uncharted waters!”

Exploring, though, takes courage. “The world of science can be brutal,” one expert pointed out, “but when times get tough always remember something amazing is just waiting to be discovered.”

Ultimately, the exchange of scientific ideas and development of future opportunities comes from a community. Thus, many of the experts strongly endorsed the power of networking. As one wrote: “My most important piece of advice - Network, network, network!” The same person suggested that students join the local Branch of the American Society for Microbiology or get involved with the Young Ambassador program. That suggestion combined with the other advice on this board, could help anyone get a jumpstart to a great career.

Contributor:

Mike May

Microbiologist job prospects are said to be the most important career opportunities in today’s job market as they perform different key roles in various industries such as health care, pharmaceuticals, food industry, military, independent clinical lab oratories and teaching. Most microbiology undergraduates are interested about microbiologist job prospects to thresh out mixed opinions for this profession. Some opine that the work involves long hours with low pay while others claim they are enjoying top-paying jobs. ... I think the problem is we have little knowledge about each sector..so I wish the great and experienced microbiologist out there could help the unemployed species and undergraduate even employed out there with the knowledge they have( I say Please (to spend little of there time) and no knowledge is small). I will like us to start with PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY ( this week) with contributions on " what does it involved" "what experience/knowledge is needed" "what program is useful" " what training is Important" "what is the likely average salary" "challenges" "benefit" "peak of the job" "future challenges" and other contributions on this PARTICULAR JOB

I hope fellow species contribute..
an introduction: Pharmaceutical Microbiology is an applied branch of Microbiology. It involves the study of microorganisms associated with the manufacture of pharmaceuticals e.g. minimizing the number of microorganisms in a process environment, excluding microorganisms and microbial by-products like exotoxin and endotoxin from water and other starting materials, and ensuring the finished pharmaceutical product is sterile. Other aspects of pharmaceutical microbiology include the research and development of anti-infective agents, the use of microorganisms to detect mutagenic and carcinogenic activity in prospective drugs, and the use of microorganisms in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products like insulin and human growth hormone.

I have a quick question, which will you consider a better career path between industrial micro and pharmaceutical micro? considering the fact that industrial MicrobiologIy consists of the pharmaceutical and other industries aspect, and also pharmacists are also being taught pharmaceutical micro in their undergrad.

@alhajipablo... Quick indeed sir..
Reply: wen u said industrial microbiology, I'm sure u meant as master degree, so yes offcouse is better than pharmaceutical microbiology as a master program with lot of reasons among which uv said... but,the topic is pharmaceutical microbiology as a job bcs I'm sure after a master degree in industrial microbiology,if u don't wish to lecture u still have to decide which area (industry ) u like best to work ( pharmaceutical,food/beverage,oil,agric etc) so wen u make pharmaceutical as a choice of area to work. dat job ( pharmaceutical microbiology ) is what I'm asking advice on..not the program or a master degree in pharmaceutical microbiology buh as a job

from the question one can learn having a master degree in industrial microbiology can/may give u an edge in working in pharmaceutical but trust me not a criteria or anything least close to that.. (bcs when choosing a master in industrial microbiology or biotechnology, you should be prepared to embrace a multidisciplinary science. Very rarely will challenges be limited to just one area ( like pharmaceutical) but rather will require investigation of several aspects of a process or production problem. In such circumstances, you will often need skills and expertise in additional fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and biostatistics)..

microb:
@alhajipablo... Quick indeed sir..
Reply: wen u said industrial microbiology, I'm sure u meant as master degree, so yes offcouse is better than pharmaceutical microbiology as a master program with lot of reasons among which uv said... but,the topic is pharmaceutical microbiology as a job bcs I'm sure after a master degree in industrial microbiology,if u don't wish to lecture u still have to decide which area (industry ) u like best to work ( pharmaceutical,food/beverage,oil,agric etc) so wen u make pharmaceutical as a choice of area to work. dat job ( pharmaceutical microbiology ) is what I'm asking advice on..not the program or a master degree in pharmaceutical microbiology buh as a job

from the question one can learn having a master degree in industrial microbiology can/may give u an edge in working in pharmaceutical but trust me not a criteria or anything least close to that.. (bcs when choosing a master in industrial microbiology or biotechnology, you should be prepared to embrace a multidisciplinary science. Very rarely will challenges be limited to just one area ( like pharmaceutical) but rather will require investigation of several aspects of a process or production problem. In such circumstances, you will often need skills and expertise in additional fields such as molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and biostatistics)..

oh yeah, I meant as a masters degree, you can always switch field as often as you like.

Hi Pseudomonas, I have an insight in Environmental Microbiology. I have made a research in ecotoxicity testing. Topic: "Effect of five phenolic compounds and their mixtures on beta-galactosidase biosynthesis in Escherichia coli". I'm a FUTO graduate. Pls can I work with you? If yes, pls send a mail to me( janeobasi23@gmail.com)

Role of QC Pharmaceutical Microbiologist

A Microbiologist in a pharmaceutical factory is a member of Quality department , the role of the Microbiologist is to ensure the quality of raw materials before they are processed in the production area , monitor the microbiological quality of Environment (air monitoring) and water , and validate the test methods used in testing finished products , and test finished products from Microbiological prospective. For the Microbiologist to perform his/her duties some devices have to found in the lab, also the microbiologist has to prepare media and diluents and calibrate equipments used on the lab based on their SOP (standard operating procedure). Precautions have to be always followed in the Microbiology lab and wearing laboratory uniform and laboratory safety clothes (lab Coat, gloves, overhead)
We willll discuss here some of the main tests performed in non sterile pharmaceutical Microbiology lab:
Enumeration test of the finished products and raw materials Which is referred as TAMC (Total Aerobic Microbial Count) and TYMC (total combined yeast and Mould),
the purpose of these tests is to find the number of bacteria and fungi found in the tested material and whether it is in the limit or not, the limit is defined from USP (United States Pharmacopeia), EP (European pharmacopeia), BP (British Pharmacopeia) or the pharmacopeia used in the country of the lab. There are many types of tests to find the TAMC and TYMC of a tested material we will go through them briefly now, most used test is Pour plate method where a sample of the tested material is added to a sterile Petri dish and then the media is added, the plates is incubated and the growth is examined after the incubation period. Another method is filtration method where the tested product is filtered through a sterile filter then the filter is added to media and incubated and examined after the incubation period ,but the method is not always applicable as some materials is not filterable. The third method is called MPN (most probable number) and Copyright:  2014 Magdy 2/2 it’s the least accurate of the there and it’s only used when the other two types is not applicable. Where the sample is diluted in 3 tubes of 3 consecutive concentrations and incubated, then the tubes is examined for turbidity and the result of the test is known using MPN table.

Test for specified organisms

These tests is used to determine the absence or limited occurrence of specified Microorganisms, each microorganisms has his own biological properties such as producing certain enzyme, for that reason certain media is used to detected specified Microorganisms where these media contain chemicals which interact the enzyme produced by the Microorganisms such as using Macconkey agar bacteria to detect E.coli where E.coli have characteristic amoeboid shape on the media and capable of precipitating bile salts in the media. Microorganisms which are detected in USP & BP are Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus Areus, Ecshericha Coli, Salmonella Spp., and Bile tolerant gram negative bacteria.
Environmental monitoring

the purpose of these tests to find the number of Microorganisms found in the air in the production areas or in the lab during work and whether they are in the Limit or not.

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JoshuaSamuraiX:
Genea, reading this thread makes me think studing Microbiology again at Master level is not really a wise decision, it's better to opt in for a more useful and engaging course.

What do you think?

ooooh so U wanted to waste ya yrs studying MCB at masters level again? Thank God u r thinking well if not I wud slap ya brain into hard reset

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JoshuaSamuraiX:


Damn, it's time to start thinking outside the box.

oh!!! U were still thinking inside d box, tobi wah is wrong with ya Me I'm thinking of learning a skill sef, either in ICT or Fashion

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JoshuaSamuraiX:


I'm already moving in the ICT path. ICT and fashion make sense, there is a bright future for those 2 careers especially in this country. It really make sense if you can combine the two.

Abi oooo.... Let's go there jawe

Tobi..u better listen to genea .microbiology isn't for everyone
the fact is ICT and fashion is very k,really ok,even if u study microbiology doesn't mean u shudnt learn this two especially in this era of recession and low job opportunities buh ICT and fashion doesn't work for everyone. some prefer business, some prefer agriculture. And some just prefer to strive harder in there course of study ( like tobi thought of going for master before genea change his mind into ICT and fashion ) uni,poly are Now many and they need you with your master degree. Some are just passionate about microbiology and have the skills (like me).you can discover yourself through internship ( u may like it or u may not ). I'm a microbiologist doesn't mean every one studying microbiology has to take a career path in microbiology ( some microbiology work in bank ).Whatever you do, make sure you find something where you will be appreciated and acknowledged. As human beings, we all need to feel love and respect. Without it, we will become miserable human beings.

Notice how unhappy people are at work?

That’s because they are doing something they hate or not being appreciated for the work they do. Having to go to a job day in and day out where you are never acknowledged or appreciated will make you feel like shit!. I love microbiology and its interesting and I'm always improving myself in areas where my lecturers fail to.

microb:
Tobi..u better listen to genea .microbiology isn't for everyone
the fact is ICT and fashion is very k,really ok,even if u study microbiology doesn't mean u shudnt learn this two especially in this era of recession and low job opportunities buh ICT and fashion doesn't work for everyone. some prefer business, some prefer agriculture. And some just prefer to strive harder in there course of study ( like tobi thought of going for master before genea change his mind into ICT and fashion ) uni,poly are Now many and they need you with your master degree. Some are just passionate about microbiology and have the skills (like me).you can discover yourself through internship ( u may like it or u may not ). I'm a microbiologist doesn't mean every one studying microbiology has to take a career path in microbiology ( some microbiology work in bank ).Whatever you do, make sure you find something where you will be appreciated and acknowledged. As human beings, we all need to feel love and respect. Without it, we will become miserable human beings.

Notice how unhappy people are at work?

That’s because they are doing something they hate or not being appreciated for the work they do. Having to go to a job day in and day out where you are never acknowledged or appreciated will make you feel like shit!. I love microbiology and its interesting and I'm always improving myself in areas where my lecturers fail to.

awwwwn, this made sense dearie... Tnx for this

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Now I'm thinking I should have just taken the Offer to study Anatomy instead of MCB

Slimzjoe:
Now I'm thinking I should have just taken the Offer to study Anatomy instead of MCB

MCB has more market value than Anatomy, my opinion though.

Samcent:

MCB has more market value than Anatomy, my opinion though.

I don't agree with you on that. I see Anatomy students in hospitals and even working closely with Radiographers. MCB don't have this much relevance in Nigeria

Slimzjoe:


I don't agree with you on that. I see Anatomy students in hospitals and even working closely with Radiographers. MCB don't have this much relevance in Nigeria

Anatomy 'students' in hospitals is different frm an Anatomist 'staff' in a hospital setting 'in Nigeria'.
Also, apart 4rm hospitals & maybe lecturing, where in ds country does Anatomy sell?
I have colleagues/friends, who read Anatomy, working in d health sector as government employees. I know their designation, posting & renumeration but I need not share it here as ds is a public forum.
For me, MCB & Anatomy in Nigeria, is a case of two 'evils'. And I choose d lesser evil which is MCB.
Again, my opinion though.

dtruseeker:
I have HND in microbiology/virology. I applied for membership in NISLT I got registered as a licensed associate member of the institute finally I got a job in a general hospital as a laboratory technologist.

please can you put me through on how to go about NISLT license? i really need it. help me out please

irene670:

please can you put me through on how to go about NISLT license? i really need it. help me out please

WhatsApp me on o8o37o46o54

Hello everyone, I am a graduate of Applied microbiology from EBSU looking to further in public health.
I need to get busy and at the same time build myself properly in the practical aspect of my field: paid jobs, internships or volunteer jobs

There is a current opportunity for microbiologist at the society for family health. You can check

https://sfhnigeria.simplicant.com

Application closes on 19 of this month