microbiologist
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by the unseen world of bacteria, viruses, and fungi? As a microbiologist, you’ll delve into their properties and impact, contributing to advancements in healthcare, food safety, and environmental protection.
Microbiologists are scientists who investigate microscopic organisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa – and their effects. Their work is crucial across various sectors, from diagnosing diseases and developing new treatments to ensuring food safety and remediating environmental contamination. A typical day might involve conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, writing reports, and collaborating with other scientists to solve complex problems.
- • Designing and conducting experiments to study microorganisms.
- • Analyzing samples using various laboratory techniques (e.g., microscopy, culturing, molecular analysis).
- • Identifying and characterizing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Ireland, Italy, Slovenia.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
Explore More
Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could microbiologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Future Outlook for microbiologist
The outlook for microbiologist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could microbiologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could microbiologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- conduct research on flora
- conduct research on fauna
- manage open publications
Tasks most exposed to automation
- gather experimental data
- collect biological data
- synthesise information
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a microbiologist
09 09:00 · Morning conduct research on reproductive medicine
10 10:30 · Mid-morning conduct research on fauna
12 12:00 · Midday conduct research on flora
14 14:00 · Afternoon detect microorganisms
15 15:30 · Late afternoon manage intellectual property rights
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate open source software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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botany
The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
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cryopreservation
Cryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).
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medical mycology
The medical, biochemical and molecular studies of fungi; aspects of pathogenesis, immunology and epidemiology, clinical and laboratory approaches to diagnosis, antifungal therapy and prophylaxis and the mode of action, pharmacokinetics and assessment of new antifungal agents.
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microbiology-bacteriology
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
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proteomics
The study of proteomes (i.e., the complements of proteins within cells, tissues or organisms), and their interactions and behaviours, under specific conditions.
- biology
- biotechnology
- clinical cytology
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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conduct research on reproductive medicine
Research and analyse human reproduction and development biology topics, with a focus on maternal and fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
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collect biological data
Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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conduct research on flora
Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
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conduct research on fauna
Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.
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collect samples for analysis
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
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send samples to laboratory
Forward collected samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how microbiologist aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does microbiologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is required to become a microbiologist?
- Typically, a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, or a related field is the minimum requirement. Many microbiologists pursue a master’s or doctoral degree to advance their careers and specialize in a particular area of research.
- What industries employ microbiologists?
- Microbiologists find employment in a wide range of industries, including healthcare (hospitals, research labs), food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, biotechnology, and government agencies.
- What skills are important for success as a microbiologist?
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. Familiarity with laboratory equipment and techniques, as well as data analysis software, is also important.
- Microbiologist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 9 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 2 more. 3 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Microbiologist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $87,330 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $59,750 to $122,350. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.