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Biomedical scientist vs microbiologist

The differences between biomedical scientists and microbiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a biomedical scientist, becoming a microbiologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a biomedical scientist has an average salary of $72,246, which is higher than the $54,620 average annual salary of a microbiologist.

The top three skills for a biomedical scientist include biomedical, research program and extraction. The most important skills for a microbiologist are lab equipment, microbiology lab, and environmental monitoring.

Biomedical scientist vs microbiologist overview

Biomedical ScientistMicrobiologist
Yearly salary$72,246$54,620
Hourly rate$34.73$26.26
Growth rate17%9%
Number of jobs53,73911,444
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Average age4140
Years of experience42

What does a biomedical scientist do?

A biomedical scientist conducts studies to help doctors diagnose and treat various illnesses. They primarily work at laboratories where they gather and analyze samples through different laboratory procedures, perform experiments, utilize special tools and equipment, perform experiments, identify blood groups, and monitor the effect of medication and treatment on the patients. Through their research findings, a biomedical scientist interprets the results and produces written reports, all while maintaining extensive records of every procedure. Moreover, a biomedical scientist keeps a clear communication line with fellow scientists and staff for an efficient and successful workflow.

What does a microbiologist do?

Microbiologists are responsible for studying the microscopic organisms causing infections and environmental damage, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their work focuses on the identification and growth of these microbes to better understand their characteristics that may help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious and bacterial diseases. They use sophisticated technologies and machinery to study microbes and perform their tasks. These scientists are also responsible for developing best practices and techniques for routine sampling and research. Microbiologists may work in various settings, including laboratories, research institutes, and hospitals.

Biomedical scientist vs microbiologist salary

Biomedical scientists and microbiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Biomedical ScientistMicrobiologist
Average salary$72,246$54,620
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $117,000Between $39,000 And $75,000
Highest paying CitySunnyvale, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandMassachusetts
Best paying companyIntuitive SurgicalBattelle
Best paying industryHealth CarePharmaceutical

Differences between biomedical scientist and microbiologist education

There are a few differences between a biomedical scientist and a microbiologist in terms of educational background:

Biomedical ScientistMicrobiologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 78%
Most common majorBiologyBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaStanford University

Biomedical scientist vs microbiologist demographics

Here are the differences between biomedical scientists' and microbiologists' demographics:

Biomedical ScientistMicrobiologist
Average age4140
Gender ratioMale, 49.6% Female, 50.4%Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 13.6% White, 69.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%10%

Differences between biomedical scientist and microbiologist duties and responsibilities

Biomedical scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Invent SLOP-PCR and a novel fluorogenic probe for live-time PCR.
  • Prepare functional membranes from mammalian cells for high throughput assays.
  • Operate and perform quality assurance on large vault style autoclaves.
  • Provide CDMRP with custom meeting summary documents that meet their specific needs
  • Construct genomic libraries, sequence clones, devise sequence specific PCR primers.
  • Show more

Microbiologist example responsibilities.

  • Establish a DNA fingerprinting lab to aid in bacterial food borne disease investigations and manage it for ten years.
  • Manage external contract labs for GLP testing, prepare documentation for regulatory approval.
  • Job duties begin in a general microbiology/ infectious disease laboratory focuse on cultivating and managing infectious strains of microbes.
  • Perform biochemical tests for the detection of communicable disease agents including tuberculosis, HIV, and other sexually transmit diseases.
  • Receive and log samples in LIMS as well as compiled work batches, QC sheets and data reports.
  • Utilize various real time PCR and DNA extraction technologies to identify and characterize various biological agents and infectious diseases.
  • Show more

Biomedical scientist vs microbiologist skills

Common biomedical scientist skills
  • Biomedical, 56%
  • Research Program, 10%
  • Extraction, 5%
  • PCR, 4%
  • Sops, 4%
  • FDA, 3%
Common microbiologist skills
  • Lab Equipment, 9%
  • Microbiology Lab, 7%
  • Environmental Monitoring, 7%
  • Test Methods, 6%
  • GMP, 5%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%

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