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Job outlook for microbiologists in the United States
Microbiologist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected microbiologist job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 1,900 new jobs for microbiologists are projected over the next decade.
Microbiologist salaries have increased 26% for microbiologists in the last 5 years.
There are over 21,051 microbiologists currently employed in the United States.
There are 11,444 active microbiologist job openings in the US.
The average microbiologist salary is $54,620.
Are microbiologist jobs in demand?
Microbiologist job and salary trends over time
Microbiologist jobs over time
Microbiologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21,051 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 21,529 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 20,201 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 21,647 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 23,145 | 0.01% |
Average microbiologist salary over time
Microbiologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $54,620 | $26.26 | +11.6% |
| 2025 | $48,957 | $23.54 | +5.6% |
| 2024 | $46,369 | $22.29 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $45,275 | $21.77 | +4.7% |
| 2022 | $43,262 | $20.80 | --1.0% |
Microbiologist jobs by state
Most common states for microbiologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,435 | 21% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 94 | 14% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 569 | 8% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 426 | 7% |
| 5 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,057 | 5% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 34 | 5% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 484 | 4% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 383 | 4% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 205 | 4% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 153 | 4% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 138 | 4% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 114 | 4% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 47 | 4% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 47 | 4% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 34 | 4% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 28 | 4% |
| 17 | New York | 19,849,399 | 685 | 3% |
| 18 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 331 | 3% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 248 | 3% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 17 | 3% |
Most common cities for microbiologists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chaska | 2 | 8% | $40,841 |
| 2 | Hazleton | 2 | 8% | $50,147 |
| 3 | East Windsor | 1 | 4% | $66,040 |
| 4 | Frederick | 2 | 3% | $61,081 |
| 5 | Shawnee | 2 | 3% | $32,936 |
| 6 | Arcadia | 1 | 2% | $67,650 |
| 7 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $60,901 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $62,314 |
| 9 | Irvine | 3 | 1% | $67,504 |
| 10 | Little Rock | 2 | 1% | $34,377 |
| 11 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $47,421 |
| 12 | Carson | 1 | 1% | $67,737 |
| 13 | Elizabeth | 1 | 1% | $66,652 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $38,942 |
| 15 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $74,020 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $67,829 |
Microbiologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of microbiologist experts
Utah State University
University of California, Irvine
California State University - Long Beach
San Jose State University
Brigham Young University
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Coastal Carolina University
University of Florida
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
North Dakota State University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tufts University
University of North Alabama
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Morehouse School of Medicine
Colorado State University
Eastern Washington University
Dr. Mrunalini Pattarkine PhD
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Dr. Mrunalini Pattarkine PhD: With the advancement in technologies and innovation, the industry will need a workforce that is firmly grounded in basic biotechnology concepts. The skills needed would be high-throughput assay development, integrated AI technologies for drug discovery and biomanufacturing, wearable biomedical devices, 3D cell culture, Bioprinting, microfluidics -these are some of the areas. Along with these technical skills, soft skills will be very critical. Teamwork, critical thinking, collaboration, time management, conflict resolution, and communication will be very important. Last but not least is networking. It is an important activity that will help professionally.
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mrunalini Pattarkine PhD: Be aware of the industry needs and acquire knowledge that aligns with that need. Convince the employer how you can add value to their talent pool. Be confident in demonstrating that you are the best candidate for that position. While finishing education, look for opportunities to gain real-world hands-on experience.
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mrunalini Pattarkine PhD: The biotechnology field is an interdisciplinary field of applied science. Certain concepts and technical skills are transferable across multiple sectors such as Biomanufacturing, Research-Development, Healthcare, as well as Regulatory -Quality Control fields. If one is interested in making a targeted approach to a certain industry, it is best to find programs (Harrisburg University MS BTEC program) that already has in-built specializations. These allow students to get specialized knowledge base and an option to customize their capstone portfolios. Being current with the emerging technologies and following an agile curriculum is very important. Our program has a tremendous advantage due to our corporate faculty who are seasoned industry professionals. Last but not least is networking. It is an important activity that will help professionally.
What general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Ronald Sims: Communication skills, especially including verbal and visualization skills utilized in explaining complex biological processes and statistical design of experiments with interpretation of data. Be able to communicate with both scientists and engineers in addressing technical aspects and issues related to product development. Leadership and management skills related to team building and collaborative approaches, as well as sharing credit for accomplishments with others. Trust. An attitude of innovation and change for improvement in quality of the work or product. Computer management, modeling, and interrogation of large data sets of measurements is becoming increasingly important.
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ronald Sims: Be flexible and adaptable in considering employers and employment opportunities to take advantage of the very broad field of biological engineering that includes bioprocess, biopharmaceutical, bioagricultural, bioenvironmental, and biomedical applications. Let the experiences of the first employment opportunity be your "real world teacher" to learn practical applications of theories from the classroom and academic laboratory sessions. These experiences will help you make decisions about future positions while you are building your resume with experience at the same time.
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Ronald Sims: Be less focused on jobs that are technician-oriented and involve operating automated diagnostic testing machines as these are generally much lower paying. Industry-based positions generally pay higher starting salaries than positions with government and consulting organizations. Demonstrate pro-active behavior, interest, and initiative in taking on new and difficult tasks. Demonstrate that you can represent the company or organization to outside audiences or at least show an interest in doing that (customer relations).
What general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Rachael Barry Ph.D.: Microbiologists can work in a wide variety of different professions. Because microbes are very diverse, there are many academic, clinical, and industrial areas where training in microbiology is advantageous. For example, in addition to the importance of microbes in a world recovering from a recent global viral pandemic, microbes can be a source of molecules with clinical uses such as antibiotics, can help us perform environmental remediation, and can serve as living reactors to produce biofuels.
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rachael Barry Ph.D.: Microbiologists work with microscopic organisms such as bacteria and fungi as well as with viruses. They can work in healthcare and clinical settings, in basic research, and industry. There are roles for microbiologists in the cosmetics and personal care industry, the food and beverage industry, as well as the energy and biofuels industry, among others. Many microbiologists spend their days culturing organisms and studying their traits or manipulating those traits to perform useful tasks. Some microbiologists work in the field collecting samples, others are at the bench performing research, and some perform clinical and other types of testing. An entry-level microbiologist may be involved in preparing media for growing microbes, creating and maintaining new versions of microbes, and testing the properties of these organisms. Common methods used by microbiologists include aseptic technique, cell culture, microscopy, and sequencing.
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Rachael Barry Ph.D.: Microbiology is a very hands-on science. Many microbes are straightforward to manipulate genetically and can be propagated quickly, leading to quicker results and innovations than other areas of biology. The relevance to healthcare and industrial applications also means that microbiology skills are often in demand. However, with the diverse nature of the field, this can mean that extensive training may be needed for some positions, including graduate study.
Renaud Berlemont Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State University - Long Beach
Microbiological Sciences And Immunology
What general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Renaud Berlemont Ph.D.: Being a microbiologist helps you understand many of the things we take for granted. Antibiotics, vaccines, many chemicals, fermented food, infectious diseases, etc. Sometimes it seems “unnatural” because we can’t directly see them. However, we can see the result of their actions everywhere!
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Renaud Berlemont Ph.D.: Microbiology has so many applications that there is no such thing as a typical microbiologist. Food microbiology, clinical microbiology, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, … some microbiologists want to promote microbes, others want to detect and inhibit them, and some just want to control/engineer them!
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Renaud Berlemont Ph.D.: Microbiology is a very exciting field to get in because, as shown by the COVID pandemic, we live in a microbial world and these tiny things can have a huge impact on human populations. However, detecting, controlling, responding to these potential threats also require microbiologists to design vaccine, detection methods, etc.
Rachael French
Professor and ChairSan Jose State University
Natural Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Rachael French: The Biology Department does not generally provide content for for-profit websites.
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rachael French: The Biology Department does not generally provide content for for-profit websites.
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Rachael French: The Biology Department does not generally provide content for for-profit websites.
What general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Dr. Kim O'Neill: I would advise an undergraduate from the minute they arrive at university seeking a degree in Microbiology and Molecular Biology to obtain a research laboratory experience. It does not matter what career you wish to pursue, whether it be in medicine, or a PhD program, or to go straight into the work force, it is essential to get a research experience...
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kim O'Neill: There already many well paid jobs in the area of microbiology and molecular biology that not only can springboard into the professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, patent law, etc. but there is a demand for scientists that have expertise in the areas of microbiology and molecular biology...
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kim O'Neill: I think the skills that will become most useful in the next few years will be the ability to manipulate genes, understand the basic sciences such as immunology, bacteriology, virology and molecular biology. Microbiologists have a good understanding of infectious diseases, and how the human body deals with them...
Adam Lowenstein
news bureau chiefWhat general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Adam Lowenstein: Get in touch with as many people as possible in the field to showcase your Biotech knowledge. Research the Biotech companies around you. Use social media to make connections and expand your network.
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Lowenstein: Teamwork and soft skills. Excellent communication and mindset for business. Computational and regulatory compliance knowledge.
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Adam Lowenstein: Identify areas of specialization that you like and that align with the goals of your company.
Bradley Bolling
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Madison
Food Science And Technology
What general advice would you give to a Microbiologist?
Bradley Bolling: Get as broad of a set of experiences as you can. If you haven’t completed an internship before graduation, seek one out immediately. Spend at least one semester gaining research experience. Learn about consumer trends and product development. Attend professional conferences and volunteer to network.
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Bolling: Getting an advanced degree, like a master's, can help move up the career ladder. Consider additional coursework outside your field. Develop a network for career advancement. Consider getting an MBA for a different career track.
What will help Microbiologists increase their earning potential?
Bradley Bolling: Develop an understanding of microbial ecology, molecular detection, AI, and data management. Build a network of trusted professionals for problem-solving. Develop detailed writing skills and consider advanced degrees like an MBA for career advancement.
Dr. Paul Richardson
Chair of Chemistry Professor of BiochemistryCoastal Carolina University
Chemistry
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Paul Richardson: You need to keep up with the role AI has in the field. As the power and sophistication improves, it will play a bigger role in basic tasks in laboratory science. Someone that understands that role and has a mastery of Ai will continue to have job security
Monika Oli Ph.D.
Master Lecturer and Undergraduate CoordinatorUniversity of Florida
Department of Microbiology and Cell Science
What skills stand out on Microbiologist resumes?
Monika Oli Ph.D.: -Hands-on lab skills, list methods familiar with
-List instruments and lab equipment able to use
-Familiarity with diagnostic tests and interpretation of results
-Molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, etc.)
-Research experience would be good but not a must
-If the job is in industry, QC/QA and GLP/GMP knowledge would be beneficial, but the industry does a lot of on-the-job training
What hard/technical skills are most important for Microbiologists?
Monika Oli Ph.D.: -Good lab skills from pipetting to cloning
-Excellent computer skills are a must
-Data analysis, Excel and or R
-Programming
-Data management
-Bioinformatic programs, use, and application
-More and more experience with next-generation sequencing and associated data analysis is really important
Brandi Sigmon Ph.D.
Academic Success Coordinator, Assistant Professor of PracticeUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln
Microbiology Program
What skills stand out on Microbiologist resumes?
Brandi Sigmon Ph.D.: For Microbiological Laboratory Technicians, I believe hands-on experience in laboratory settings will stand out on resumes. Companies hiring for these types of positions prefer candidates who have worked in lab settings because they will know how labs "work." For example, job candidates who have this experience should know how to follow directions in laboratory protocols, how to set up and conduct experiments, how to work as part of a team, and how to keep accurate records of your laboratory work. If someone applying for Microbiological Laboratory Technician positions can emphasize these skills on their resume, they will convey their trainability to future employers.
What soft skills should all Microbiologists possess?
Brandi Sigmon Ph.D.: Often, soft skills tend to be forgotten or under-emphasized on resumes for these positions because applicants tend to focus more heavily on technical skills. However, soft skills are extremely important to include on your resume. In particular, attention to detail, good organization skills, good written and oral communication, ability to multitask, and ability to work as part of a team are all valuable soft skills to have for Microbiological Laboratory Technicians.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Microbiologists?
Brandi Sigmon Ph.D.: For most positions, employers should provide training for specific instruments, equipment, and protocols used in the lab. However, I expect some basic Microbiology-related skills such as aseptic technique, making various growth media, familiarity with various diagnostic tests, isolating colonies from plates, along with knowing how to use common equipment such as microscopes, autoclaves, and dishwashers would be beneficial in general. Many positions also require basic computers skills, and some prefer previous experience with specific software.
What skills will help Microbiologists earn the most?
Brandi Sigmon Ph.D.: Generally speaking, having previous experience working in a laboratory setting will help applicants earn more. Educational background in a Microbiology-related field will also help. For positions in medically related labs, obtaining a certification in medical laboratory science should also increase opportunities for career growth and higher earnings.
Dr. Birgit Pruess Ph.D.
ProfessorNorth Dakota State University
Microbiological Sciences
What skills stand out on Microbiologist resumes?
Dr. Birgit Pruess Ph.D.: That may depend on the type and level of the position. For faculty positions, certainly, research papers are what gets you the job. For postdoctoral fellow positions, the same may still apply. For industry positions, productivity or just getting the job done is still important. Since productivity at the college/university is measured in research papers, those are still helpful, but not the only thing. A list of relevant skills to the company, often listed in the job ad, is very helpful. For entry-level positions, when you don't have a lengthy CV quite yet, it matters what others think of you. That makes recommendations important. Making sure your professors know more about you than your grades is imperative here. Having worked in someone's research lab is extremely helpful. Those professors know you, and you develop lab skills.
What soft skills should all Microbiologists possess?
Dr. Birgit Pruess Ph.D.: Soft skills seem more important today than hard skills. I disagree with that. In the end, the job still needs to get done, and that requires technical skills. Among the soft skills, the ability to communicate and work as a team probably stands out. You need to communicate with your direct supervisor and coworkers, and permanent misunderstandings and conflict just wear everybody down. You may also be asked to present your work at a larger meeting or conference. Written communication is important too. You will have to record data and write reports. Possible write lengthy papers. Listening is part of communication as well, not just talking. If you don't listen to your supervisor, you may not understand the instructions and get yourself into trouble when you do something differently that invalidates the data. Make sure you list previous activities and accomplishments in these areas. Pick recommenders that can comment on these activities (see above).
What hard/technical skills are most important for Microbiologists?
Dr. Birgit Pruess Ph.D.: For a microbiologist, it is certainly important to know how to work sterile. To protect yourself and your experiment. General bacterial growth and/or virus propagation is often a minimum as well. PCR skills are asked in most workplaces, often as qPCR. This also requires precise pipetting skills. Making solutions and media can be important, though you can get lucky, and your company purchases them ready to go. If the job is with bacteria, microscope skills have gained importance once more. That includes fluorescence and highly advanced methods. Data analysis is crucial for every experiment. You may get lucky and are just asked to turn your data in. More likely than not, you will have to analyze them first. Make sure you have good computational and statistical skills. Bioinformatics can be useful these days as well, which gets us into Big Data. Mention if you have expertise in that area.
What skills will help Microbiologists earn the most?
Dr. Birgit Pruess Ph.D.: That depends on the job ad. While you are in college, read job ads and find out where your interest is. Then, align your course work and research opportunities with the direction you wanna go into. Be flexible as well. The perfect job may not exist when you start with college.
Dr. Melissa Christopherson
Faculty AssociateUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Bacteriology
What soft skills should all Microbiologists possess?
Dr. Melissa Christopherson: The ability to effectively communicate about science is one of the most important skills that a microbiologist can hone. Microbiologists are often at the intersection of many different fields, combining molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and bioinformatics with different applications in industrial fields like biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, biodefense, renewable energy, and the food industry. A successful microbiologist will be able to understand the foundations of each of these fields to foster collaboration. A successful microbiologist will also realize that diverse teams of people often are the most productive and innovative and will seek out an array of perspectives within their team as they pursue the answers to a biological question. Right now, with misinformation about vaccines, COVID, public health, and antibiotics widespread, scientific communication in microbiology is more important than ever.
The ability to critically think about scientific findings is another important skill. The power of microbiology is that many universal biological principles can be tested in controlled experiments at the bench with a carefully designed and controlled experiment. There are many pressing questions in microbiology right now, for instance, a better and more detailed understanding of different microbiomes and the metabolic underpinnings that dictate their function, better understanding of conditions that allow for pathogens to emerge, spread and cause disease, and microbial strategies that can be used to combat climate change. These big ideas are being met with new technology, like next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing, CRISPR, and a host of emerging bioinformatics platforms to analyze the large amounts of data generated by such complex questions. Right now, analyzing these large data sets requires collaboration between bioinformaticists and microbiologists, as few people have sufficiently deep knowledge of both fields to answer these questions on their own. Amid a large cloud of data, the discerning microbiologist will be able to work as part of a team to focus on a simple, controlled, and testable question to move the field forward as a whole.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Microbiologists?
Dr. Melissa Christopherson: Although I am not a medical microbiologist, there are foundational techniques in microbiology that are critically important right now as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. Basic skills like PCR, nucleic acid sequencing, aseptic technique, serological testing like ELISAs, and microscopy are essential for testing for and identifying pathogens like SARS-COV2. New innovations, CRISPR and LAMP-PCR, are rapidly changing the possible ways to diagnose pathogens. Milestone advances in deep sequencing, among other advances, have led to faster-than-ever vaccine development for emerging pathogens. As an instructor at a top-ranked microbiology program, we teach undergraduates how to use these tools.
Outside of medical microbiology, these tools are being used to understand climate change, solve problems in agriculture, develop renewable energy solutions, and describe a variety of soil, air, and host microbiomes that underpin healthy hosts and ecosystems.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microbiologists?
Andrew Camilli: A short-term impact is happening now because of limited hiring due to COVID safety protocols that limit the number of people in work spaces. However, this limitation should dissipate as the pandemic winds down this summer and fall. After that, I would hope that hiring of PhD and Master students will accelerate to a high level, given the reminder the pandemic has given us of the importance of biomedical R&D.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microbiologists?
Dr. Eric Becraft: In the long run, there will probably be very little, if any, impact on graduates. At least in my experience, professors and staff have done an amazing job adapting to the new environment so students do not lose out on any education. Even in STEM laboratories, where social distancing is difficult, professors have managed to still provide the essential hands-on experiences that graduates will use in the future. If anything, the experience of the pandemic may make graduates more adaptable to different settings of higher learning.
What's a day at work look like for a Microbiologist?
Dr. Eric Becraft: This may sound idealistic, but any job where you love what you do, and where there is room for continued learning and advancement, is a good job. Whether you go to graduate school, work for a corporation or the government, or go into business for yourself, you want to make sure you can continue to improve (or grow as a scientist).
What technical skills for a Microbiologist stand out to employers?
Dr. Eric Becraft: In today's world the number one skill that stands out is computer science/programming. Every STEM field requires knowledge of computers now, and the more knowledge the better. Also important in the biological sciences is the ability to work with and analyze DNA in the laboratory and on the computer, respectively. DNA sequencing science is the only science moving faster than computer science, and soon all biologists, and maybe most STEM scientists, will need some experience in the field of genetics.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microbiologists?
Max Haggblom Ph.D.: No and yes. At Rutgers-School of Environmental and Biological Sciences we have worked hard to ensure in-person lab experiences during the pandemic, especially for graduating seniors. This includes core laboratory courses to learn key skills, but also the ability to continue work in the research laboratories, even if partly remotely. We currently also have students with lab jobs in the field or internships. One positive impact of having to adjust to remote learning is that students will be well prepared to host and engage in meetings and presentations online; this is definitely a skill that will be beneficial for future jobs/travel/collaborations both nationally and internationally.
Sebsnjaesnew
Living through a pandemic will have an enduring impact on everyone, but very much microbiologists. The quote "Never underestimate the power of the microbe" (Jackson Foster) became very real.
What's a day at work look like for a Microbiologist?
Max Haggblom Ph.D.: Work that has to be done in the lab needs to be in-person. This will not change, once labs can be safely re-populated, but meetings, etc. are now remotely and will likely continue in this mode for some time.
What technical skills for a Microbiologist stand out to employers?
Max Haggblom Ph.D.: For microbiologists it is important to have broad laboratory skills, microbiological technique of course, but also proficiency in biochemical and molecular assays. Knowledge in the use of relevant lab instrumentation, such as PCR. The ability to analyze and interpret data is a must, as are strong writing and presentation skills. Critical thinking and the ability to troubleshoot experimental methods as well as analytical instrumentation are important.
Sara Church
Lecturer of PsychologySaint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microbiologists?
Sara Church: Absolutely, yes. We may not even know all the ways this pandemic will impact graduates professionally and personally. Students have experienced tremendous stress because of this pandemic. Classes have gone virtual, loved ones or they themselves have gotten sick, some are battling anxiety and depression-all the while they are trying to complete their coursework and stay engaged. I think it's important for us to acknowledge that along with this collective traumatic experience has come some incredible resilience. Graduates will have become flexible and adaptable; they will be ready to use technology in the field. Also, empathy! There is a depth of compassion for others that comes from living this together.
I will also say that qualified helping professionals are needed now more than ever. Counselor caseloads are packed, and people are reaching out for help at high rates. People were universally stressed before this pandemic happened. This sent some people over the edge and straight to their local therapist. We are working to get our psychology and human services students ready to make an immediate impact in this field.
What experience really stands out on Microbiologist resumes?
Sara Church: Relevant experiences! If students are working towards any degree it would be smart for them to get a job in the field, even if it's just a shift a week. Work in acute settings (e.g., inpatient, and supervised group living) stands out on a resume. These experiences also help them understand content and make them more engaged in class discussion.
Right now, trauma resolution and experience with substance use disorders really stands out! The pandemic and illuminated racial tension have led to heightened trauma responses and an increase in substance use. New grads with any related experience will definitely stand out from the pack. SMWC is currently creating a bachelor's level addictions counseling program that is infused with trauma-informed care. We are excited to be offering this program and do our part in the communal healing process
Dr. DeQuan Smith
Assistant Director, Graduate Education & Career ConnectionsMorehouse School of Medicine
Division of Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microbiologists?
Dr. DeQuan Smith: What we are experiencing now is the most uncertain workforce since the Great Depression of the 1930s. In the coming months, new graduates by the thousands will enter the workforce eager to make their mark on the world. For graduates across the nation, many will enter their new careers remotely forcing them to adapt to new ways of learning and working post pandemic. It is increasingly important now that future graduates begin to construct a "Game Plan". I highly encourage graduates to explore alternative forms of networking, communicating their skillsets, and strategies diversifying themselves from the competition of the workforce. Graduates should also consider high demand careers where their transferable skillsets can make a significant contribution in fields such as: Biotechnology, Health Informatics, Data Science and other related careers within the scientific and technological fields. The coronavirus will have an unprecedented impact on our graduates; however, this provides an opportunity for our graduates to emerge as better thinkers, stronger communicators, and more agile leaders.
Jennifer McLean Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate Department Head for Undergraduate EducationColorado State University
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Microbiologists?
Jennifer McLean Ph.D.: Thinking in terms of silver linings, one enduring impact the pandemic will have on graduates, especially in the fields of microbiology, immunology and vaccine development, is the realization that communicating basic science to the general public is crucial to the health of the world's population. I also hope the team effort and open communication among scientists during the quest for an effective vaccine will be the new norm as these graduates enter the scientific community.
What type of skills will young Microbiologists need?
Jennifer McLean Ph.D.: Graduates entering the workforce will need to be able to think like scientists to solve problems like the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduates will need to apply what they have learned to new problems and situations. They will need familiarity with new technologies that are developing more rapidly than ever before and an understanding of methods used for analyzing vast amounts of data. They will also need collaborative skills that will allow them to work effectively in an interdisciplinary fashion to solve some of the world's toughest scientific health problems.
What experience really stands out on Microbiologist resumes?
Jennifer McLean Ph.D.: This can really depend, but I have to believe that moving forward, students who persisted in college during the pandemic will be able to tout on their resumes their own ability to be nimble in how they learn, collaborate and work. During the pandemic they likely had to learn under a variety of circumstances (hybrid, online, synchronous, asynchronous, face-to-face, etc.) and use a variety of platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoogleMeet, etc.). I think graduates should highlight their flexibility, persistence, and ability to quickly pivot away from what was comfortable and known and come out the other side smarter, stronger and inarguably more resilient.
What Microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Terrance MacMullan Ph.D.: I took a gap year after college. When I started undergrad I wanted to be a lawyer. I majored in philosophy (which, contrary to misconceptions, is the single best performing major for graduate school placement tests like the GRE or LSAT and have much higher-than-average employment rates and salaries after 10 years) to prepare me for law school. Then my dad got cancer and died after a terrible 6-month fight. In my last few conversations with him, he told me not to do what everyone else expects me to do and to instead create a life that is meaningful. I sent rejection letters back to the law schools that had accepted me (nearly giving my poor mother a heart-attack!) and then waited tables in D.C. for a year while I researched PhD programs in Philosophy and applied to schools that interested me. Seven years later I got the job that I have grown into over the last 20 years teaching philosophy at a regional state university. I would have made more money as a lawyer. I doubt I would have been as fulfilled. I would not have had the time to readjust my trajectory without that gap year.
So to answer your question, I would tell students to feel free to take a gap year if they are anything less than absolutely committed to clear path towards a life that holds meaning for them. If they take a gap year I would encourage them to do whatever they can to not incur pointless debt. I would then encourage them to look at a gap year not so much as a year to develop skills so much as a year to take stock of what they want to become. If that is to work in a particular industry, then find people 5 or 10 years ahead of you in that industry and ask them their advice. Finally, I think we, as a civilization, are returning to older ways of understanding ourselves. The idea that a person is just a vessel for marketable skills and that a human being's purpose is to sell themselves on a labor market is a very, very recent one. It is also unsustainable, both in terms of the environment and the fact that productivity has become detached from wages, so that now the overwhelming majority of people are working more but making less in terms of spending power. Younger people will have to live in a world that is witnessing the shortcomings of globalization's promise that never came to pass and an environment that is crumbling under the weight of a consumer-focused civilization. They will need to figure out new ways to live, not just fit themselves into a waning system. So they should use that gap year to figure out what kind of person they want to be and what kind of world they want to live in and find a way to make it come to pass.