Blog

In-demand abilities for microbiologists

• Patience is a vital virtue.
• Focus on the finer points
• Decisiveness
• Independence
• Very good computer skills
• Analytical and numerical abilities
• The ability to work as a team
• The ability to communicate

Qualifications and experience are expected of applicants.

A bachelor’s degree in a field such as biology, applied biology, microbial science, microbiology, or a related field such as biological or biomedical science is required in order to pursue a career as a microbiologist.

Some employers may demand an appropriate postgraduate qualification. An integrated master’s degree, such as an MBiolSci, an MBiol, or an MSc, is something that can be pursued by students. 

These are intended to prepare students for more postgraduate study, such as a doctoral degree, and are an excellent choice for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in research. 

Following the completion of your degree, you will be required to participate in the scientific training programme, also known as the STP. The submission of applications for the STP will normally begin in the month of January.

Scotland has its own unique training programmes, each of which requires participants to complete either a three-year STP or a similar programme.

After successfully completing the STP, you will be eligible to submit an application to the Academy of Healthcare Science for a certificate of accomplishment. The Health and Care Professions Council will be able to process your application for registration as a result of this (HCPC).

In order to work as a clinical scientist in the UK, one needs to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

You will be automatically eligible to apply for registration if you have graduated from a course that has been approved by the HCPC; however, you will be required to pay a fee for the HCPC to process your application in addition to a registration fee; however, the registration fee will be reduced by fifty percent if you graduated from an approved course within the past two years.

Experience conducting research and working in a laboratory, whether paid or unpaid, is beneficial. There are certain pharmaceutical businesses that provide paid internship opportunities throughout the summer, and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) lists many of these companies (ABPI). 

Both the Microbiology Society and the Society for Applied Microbiology provide a selection of awards to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in gaining some practical experience in the field of microbiology.

Conclusion 

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, such as applied biology, microbial science, or microbiology. Students can pursue an integrated master’s degree, such as MBiolSci, MBiol, or MSc. 

In most years, the STP application process begins in January. In order to work as a clinical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Some pharmaceutical companies offer summer internships that are paid. Students interested in gaining hands-on experience in the microbiology field can apply for awards from the Microbiology Society and the Society for Applied Microbiology.