Microbiologists
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- Tasks
- 14 tasks13 core, 1 supplemental
- Family
- Life, Physical & Social ScienceOne of its 66 occupations
- Code
- 19-1022.00SOC 2018: 19-1022
What the work is made of
13 core tasks and 1 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.
Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all
- Task 1. Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.Core taskTask 15212Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 2. Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.Core taskTask 3676Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 3. Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.Core taskTask 15213Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 4. Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.Core taskTask 3675Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 5. Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.Core taskTask 3679Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 6. Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.Core taskTask 3683Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 7. Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.Core taskTask 3678Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 8. Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.Core taskTask 3681Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 9. Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.Core taskTask 3677Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 10. Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.Core taskTask 3680Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 11. Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.Core taskTask 3682Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 12. Develop new products and procedures for sterilization, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.Core taskTask 15214Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 13. Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.Core taskTask 3684Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 14. Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.Supplemental taskTask 3685Rated by 22 occupational experts, August 2024
Where this comes from
Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.
How we copy and credit sources- Published byO*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
- ClassificationStandard Occupational Classification 2018, 19-1022
- LicenseCC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
- Changed by usNothing.
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