Are you a Microbiologist or a Molecular Biologist?

Question

Are there any microbiologists out there? I am really curious about a career in microbiology or molecular biology. Generally, what kinds of jobs are out there? What is the average salary for each field? Any information, experiences, or thoughts would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm a molecular biologist, specialising in immune and disease studies. doing my postgrad at the moment. im an african living in and working in an african country, and i must say im pretty jaded when it comes to science. we're encouraged to pursue it as intelligent black women but the prospects in africa as u progress are dire, the pay and other incentives arent great and you need bucketloads of patience etc. but this is just me!
if you're from another country i suggest really researching ur prospective career by visiting uni's and shadowing pple in the field. And be a very diligent and curious-minded person, otherwise ur interest may flag. Oh and if u love luxury....run now!!

Answer 2

I'm a molecular microbiologist (in training) and I absolutely love it. The only *bad* thing is that there are so many job options to choose from that it's hard to pick just one! Some general career paths include: teaching at the community college/university level; research in industry (like in pharmaceutical and similar companies); government jobs (USDA, CDC, etc.); a combination of teaching and research at a research university; working in public health (like at a hospital lab or public health dept); or being a technician or senior scientist in an academic lab.

It really depends on how much education one has...most higher level jobs (>$50,000/year) require a PhD or several years of relevant job experience and a Master's degree. If you want to run your own lab, be a university professor, or be a "big name" so to speak, a PhD is a must. However, you can teach at many community colleges, be a lab technician, or work for various companies with a Master's or below. Salary is pretty much dependent on your level of education. You can do the same type of work as everyone else, but you'll get paid more or less for it, depending on your education.

I hope this helps some!

Answer 3

What's your background/status?

I have a degree in Chemistry, majored in Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry and a PhD in Molecular Biology.
Right now I am unemployed because of some health issues but also in my country there are really not a lot of opportunities for Molecular Biologists. There a lot of labs doing microbiological tests for patients but I don't know if this aspect is interesting to you.
In Germany, UK, Ireland, France, US there are many more.

Salaries depend on the level of your education, the country, the position, the number of funds/grants that you get etc.
There are many different aspects of molecular biology and I would guess more than microbiology.

I never regretted starting with chemistry; the experience/knowledge is invaluable and in my personal opinion you can't learn/understand chemistry if you don't do it in the lab, but biology is much simpler to learn. Don't forget molecular biology requires chemistry...

Answer 4

Agree with what people said above, so will not repeat it.

A bit of advice, before you decide on that as a career do some work in a research lab. During your undergraduate degree ask a professor if they would take you as a research assistant. The work is hard and at times boring and frustrating, so if you don't really love it, don't try to make it into a career. You really don't want a job you hate.