Studies microorganisms - like bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, sometimes archaea or algae.
Examines microbial structure - including cell walls, membranes, genetic material, and internal organelles under microscopes.
Investigates microbial behavior - such as reproduction, mutation, metabolism, resistance, motility, or symbiosis.
Performs lab experiments - often uses cultures, stains, PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, spectrophotometry, etc.
Identifies pathogens - isolates disease-causing microbes in clinical, food, or water samples.
Develops antimicrobials - contributes to making antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals and studies resistance.
Works in public health - tracks outbreaks, designs vaccines, or supports infection control programs.
Studies industrial microbes - used in fermentation, enzyme production, biofuel, or bioremediation.
Analyses microbial genetics - manipulates DNA/RNA, studies plasmids, mobile elements, or CRISPR systems.
Collaborates cross-discipline - works with chemists, doctors, geneticists, ecologists, or engineers often.
Documents and reports findings - writes research articles, lab reports, grant proposals, or reviews.
Uses bioinformatics tools - analyzes sequences, builds phylogenetic trees, or predicts gene functions.
Teaches and trains others - supervises students, teaches microbiology courses, conducts workshops.
Follows lab safety protocols - handles biohazards, maintains sterile technique, disposes waste properly.
