Microbiologist

Highly relevant tasks include: 

• Studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications
• Designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff

Other highly relevant tasks may include:

• Conducting research on microscopic organisms such as bacteria, virus, and fungi for their use in basic and applied research; in line with appropriate regulatory restrictions for biological safety, biosecurity and containment of microorganism;
• Working in the laboratory settings, carrying out and monitoring scientific experiments on a microscopic level, or microbiological diagnostic testing;
• Communicating the outcomes of research activity by means of peer-reviewed scientific publications, reports and reviews, and giving oral presentations to scientific, client and community audiences where appropriate;
• Developing procedures to improve quality of microbiological test methods and processes and contribute to assay development in industrial microbiology laboratories;
• Development, validation and implementation of new methods/technologies into the QC/QA operational departments;
• Evaluating and researching microbiology laboratory procedures (such as but not limited: methods verification, validation, etc.), recommending improvements for laboratory tests, and providing assistance to the lab management for grant application and reports;
• Engaging in professional interactions amongst the discipline, including membership of a microbiological society or professional body.

This field of science is closely related to other life sciences such as molecular biology and biochemistry. Microscopic organisms include fungi and Bacteriophage. Microbiologists work in several fields including, but not limited to, medicine, research, and university teaching. 

Although their work is also required in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and biotechnology, employment should involve novel scientific research, experimental and methodology development.

In Australia, Microbiologists are employed in nearly every industry, including food, health, agriculture, pollution control, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. This can be in a laboratory or field setting. 

Employment focused on Quality Control or Quality Assurance can be assessed positively under this occupation providing that the role involves specialised tasks including: 

• Proven ability to work independently or under minimum supervision and use initiative skills to make decisions;
• Demonstrated abilities in utilising microbiological research and analytical skills;
• Supervising and training Technicians/Lab Assistant;
• Writing laboratory reports and editing or developing procedures.