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Research microbiologist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Katina Lillios,

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical research microbiologist skills. We ranked the top skills for research microbiologists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.2% of research microbiologist resumes contained r as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a research microbiologist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 research microbiologist skills for your resume and career

1. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how research microbiologists use r:

Identified systematic errors in electronic medical record using a combination of SQL queries and R visualizations.
Maintain a statistical database utilizing R programming for scientific analyses.

2. Lab Equipment

Here's how research microbiologists use lab equipment:

Interacted with superiors daily to manage individual projects, communicate results, and oversee general maintenance of lab equipment and conditions
Maintained a steady supply of experimental specimen and provided critical technical support for the operational function of lab equipment.

3. Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of science that tells us about the composition, properties, and structure of elements and compounds. The processes these elements undergo and how they undergo change all come under the branch of chemistry.

Here's how research microbiologists use chemistry:

Develop realtime PCR chemistry to detect bacterial pathogens in food and optimize with DOE.
Process Chemistry Safety Steward/Safety Mentor/E-Team member

4. Microorganisms

Here's how research microbiologists use microorganisms:

Develop plans and performs research methods of development and validation - Tracking of microorganisms in a range of environments.
Identify microorganisms via different staining techniques, particularly the Gram Stain.

5. FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services that regulates the production and sale of food, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and other consumer goods, as well as veterinary medicine. The FDA is now in charge of overseeing the manufacture of products like vaccines, allergy treatments, and beauty products.

Here's how research microbiologists use fda:

Performed all research in accordance with FDA protocols and submissions in preparation for clinical trials.
Designed and conducted testing required for surgical medical devices and pharmaceuticals by FDA and EPA.

6. Laboratory Procedures

Here's how research microbiologists use laboratory procedures:

Authored all laboratory procedures to achieve and maintain ISO 9001 laboratory certification for over 15 years.
Developed and wrote self-instructional units for Medical Technology students and provided training to Medical Residents in laboratory procedures and infectious diseases.

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7. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how research microbiologists use technical reports:

Prepared technical reports, delivered presentations, and maintained an electronic laboratory notebook as well as laboratory logs.
Created calculations, technical reports, proposals and quality assurance procedures to include operating and troubleshooting procedures.

8. GMP

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. It is a system that ensures that all products like food, beverages, and medicinal drugs that are produced comply with the quality standards. It helps in minimizing the risks and hazards that cannot be eliminated after the testing of final products.

Here's how research microbiologists use gmp:

Prepared, developed and transferred protocols for scale up Complied and trained in GMP, GLP standard & safety regulations.
Performed sterility testing on materials used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical grade radioisotopes and therapeutic products under GMP Guidelines.

9. Microbiology Laboratory

Here's how research microbiologists use microbiology laboratory:

Supervised and trained other lab personnel to ensure proper usage of microbiology laboratory.
Establish new microbiology laboratory including planning, purchasing, and equipment qualification.

10. Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring is a method to manage and assess a particular environmental condition or situation. It plays an essential role in society as it affects how people can work and implement regulations and guidelines on protecting and conserving the environment to prevent further impact or damage. Other can assessment, monitoring also needs a support policy for and concrete plan for a long term effect.

Here's how research microbiologists use environmental monitoring:

Conducted audits of raw data books and environmental monitoring books.
Conduct environmental monitoring on manufacturing facility.

11. Pathogens

Here's how research microbiologists use pathogens:

Tested process equipment and production areas for contamination and environmental pathogens to monitor the effectiveness of sanitation measures throughout the facility.
Identify bovine mastitis pathogens and avian pathogens recovered from tissues using various selective and differential medias in addition to metabolic profiles.

12. Method Development

Here's how research microbiologists use method development:

Performed intensive research, which included method development and validation.
Collaborated with blood banks and universities to facilitate the timely collection of biological samples for exposure studies and method development projects.

13. USDA

Here's how research microbiologists use usda:

Certified by USDA for organoleptic examination of seafood and analysis of food samples for Salmonella species.
Full time employment working for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Agricultural Research Services (ARS).

14. Cell Culture

Here's how research microbiologists use cell culture:

Performed microbiology plating, serial dilutions, cell counting, as well as, isolating and starting cell cultures.
Spiral plating of cell cultures for colony count.

15. DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or only DNA, which is considered the king of molecules, is a macromolecule that contains the main component of chromosomes. Shaped like a double helix, DNA is usually found in the nucleus of a cell. It is a type of material that transports characteristics in many forms, developed in nucleotides around one another.

Here's how research microbiologists use dna:

Perform analysis related to the application of DNA sequencing.
Serve as a reference laboratory for Antifungal susceptibility testing and DNA analysis of bacteria for the Dayton area hospitals.

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What skills help Research Microbiologists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on research microbiologist resumes?

Katina Lillios

Professor, Department Chair, The University of Iowa

While the precise skills that are desired depend on the job, there are some that all graduates from an Anthropology program should work on developing. These include experience contributing to group projects, collaborating with diverse communities, strong communication and writing skills, versatility, and mastery of a specialized skill, such as GIS, a foreign language, statistics, and other digital technologies.

What soft skills should all research microbiologists possess?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

From what I've heard (from employers), companies look for employees that they can work with. I know that sounds silly, but companies want employees that are team players and work well with other individuals and in groups. These employees also need to work independently when asked to work on a project. They need to be organized, reliable, and trustworthy. Employees also need to be able to communicate well by writing and speaking. They must be able to follow directions.

What hard/technical skills are most important for research microbiologists?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

This one is tough because it depends on the position! I think what is valuable for a chemist is being knowledgeable of working with instrumentation such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. Employees that are likely more attractive for a job position than another person have had the independent experience of working with instruments and can troubleshoot problems. Employees need to be able to explain the data that they obtained from an experiment and describe what the data mean. (Data is a plural term!) Problem-solving and critical thinking is very important for scientists.

What research microbiologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Karen McNeal Ph.D.

Assistant Department Chair, Geology, Auburn University

I would say getting familiar with how to process Big data and enhance GIS skills would be potential skill areas to continue to build up. There are some online courses one could l take without being enrolled in graduate/undergraduate programs to continue to build these skills (I do not have the plans offhand, but a google search would probably find some). Besides that, I would also say that trying to fine-tune communication skills about science to non-technical audiences would be good. If they are taking a gap year, use the opportunity to talk with the new people you are meeting about science in non-technical ways. See what works, what doesn't. Start building your confidence and experience doing so.

What type of skills will young research microbiologists need?

Dr. Katherine Galloway Ph.D.

Instructor, Nicholls State University

Graduates will need a variety of technical skills. In biology, skills such as having lab experience and experience with statistical analyses and GIS are very valuable. If interested in education, being able to adapt and gain experience with online teaching will be important as well. Graduates will also need to communicate to employers that they can be independent and problem solve/critically think on their own, which also ties into work/volunteer experience that highlights your leadership skills.

What technical skills for a research microbiologist stand out to employers?

Dr. Bobby Burkes

Interim Department Head/Professor, Grambling State University

Technical skills in addition to having a full and thorough understanding of your area of expertise will be the ability to communicate interactively via computational systems and other communication platforms. The ability to communicate (convey and express ideas) in a direct and remote setting is becoming an essential asset. The ability interact with and possibly develop simulations of experimental design and process flow paths are also technical skills that are in demand in most industries.

Do you want to know more?

List of research microbiologist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a research microbiologist resume and required skills for a research microbiologist to have include:

R
Lab Equipment
Chemistry
Microorganisms
FDA
Laboratory Procedures
Technical Reports
GMP
Microbiology Laboratory
Environmental Monitoring
Pathogens
Method Development
USDA
Cell Culture
DNA

Research Projects
Medical Devices
RT-PCR
RNA
Research Studies
QC
Elisa
Product Development
ISO
Microbiological Methods
GLP
Data Analysis
EPA
Media Preparation
HIV

Animal Models
Molecular Biology Techniques
Immunoassay
Clinical Trials
CDC
Culture Collection
Bsl-2
SDS-PAGE
Electrophoresis
Catheter
Salmonella
Validation Studies
Experimental Results
USP
Cell Lines

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Research Microbiologist Skills

Updated January 8, 2025

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