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.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

1. Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

2. Prepare technical reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.

3. Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.

4. Provide laboratory services for health departments, for community environmental health programs and for physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.

5. Use a variety of specialized equipment such as electron microscopes, gas chromatographs and high pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence activated cell sorters and phosphoimagers.

6. Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.

7. Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.

8. Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.

9. Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.

10. Study the structure and function of human, animal and plant tissues, cells, pathogens and toxins.

11. Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Microbiologists. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Microbiologists, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$44,840 for entry level workers, and $79,880 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 1,710 Microbiologists employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 1,760  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 10 job(s) each year, and a total of 40 job openings each year.

New York Academy of Sciences New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF) - NYCSEF is the New York City Department of Education's annual science and technology research competition, coordinated by the New York Academy of Sciences in partnership with Polytechnic University. All students in grades 9 to 12 attending schools within the five boroughs are eligible to apply.

Plant Genomics - Plant Genomics (DNA Science alumni in grades 10-12) integrates biochemical and computer methods for analyzing plant genes. Participants examine food products for signs of genetic modification, detect ?jumping genes? discovered by CSHL Nobelist Barbara McClintock, and have the unique opportunity to assist scientists with the analysis of newly discovered genes in rice.

University of Rochester: Rochester Scholars - The Rochester Scholars program provides an exciting academic experience for high school students to explore the sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities.Students have a chance to interact with peers from area schools who have a wide range of interests and goals. And they get to test the college experience in a fun filled, but challenging, setting!

St. Joseph's College High School Program - Experiences in Scientific Research - This four Saturday program features one Saturday of each of the following: new experiments in chemistry, polymer chemistry, physiology experiences, microbiology wonders, physics challenges, astronomy adventures and finally, forensic science, artistry in science with a detective guest speaker on this day during lunch time.

Biotechnology Summer Camp - Students will explore topics in three general areas of science: microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Activities will include: growth, isolation and characterization of microbes, protein chemistry, chromatography, enzy-mology, regulation of gene expression, DNA isolation analysis, amplification (PCR) and genetic modification using standard laboratory model organisms

Cornell University Summer College Program: Research Apprenticeship in Biological Sciences (RABS) - If you're a serious, research-oriented student with a passion for science, this innovative, highly selective program will give you the rare opportunity to join a top-notch laboratory at one of the world's leading research institutions. Placements are available in molecular biology, cancer research, animal physiology, epidemiology, and other research areas tailored to your interests and experience.

Project E.R. (Environmental Rescue) - Ecosystems are changing rapidly, and plants and animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. Because humans depend on ecosystems for food, medicine, and other natural resources, it is time for you to rescue the environment. What can you do to protect the planet and the things that live on it? To find out join Project E.R. (environmental rescue).

PreCollege Research Abroad Program at the Puschino Science Center Russia - KEI's PreCollege Research Abroad Program at the Puschino Science Center (PSC) is a joint effort between the Knowledge Exchange Institute and the Russian Academy of Science, to provide research and educational opportunities to motivated high school students at one of the largest research centers in Russia. The curriculum consists of laboratory research, seminars, preparation for the Intel Science Talent Search (as well as other science contests) and preparation for journal publication.

Discovery Channel School's Curriculum Center - Here you will find classroom science activities, puzzles and project ideas to boost the study and support core curriculum topics like bacteria, chemistry, genetics, the universe and more. The correlated Discovery School videos and CD-ROMs provide a wealth of knowledge. The popular science topics are those taught in upper elementary and middle school.

Rader's Biology4Kids - Biology4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of biology to all ages. It has sections on cell structure, cell function, the scientific method, classification, microorganisms, invertebrates, plants, vertebrates, and animal systems.

Learning at the Marian Koshland Science Museum - The Marian Koshland Science Museum has identified unique, inquiry-based activities that can be used in the classrooms. They are related to its Global Warming and Infectious Disease exhibits that are designed for middle and high-school students and adhere to the National Academies' National Science Education Standards.

Rochester Scholars - The Rochester Scholars program provides an exciting academic experience for high school students to explore the sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities.Students have a chance to interact with peers from area schools who have a wide range of interests and goals. And they get to test the "college experience" in a fun-filled, but challenging, setting.

Human Genomics - Human Genomics (DNA Science alumni in grades 10-12) integrates biochemical and computer methods used to analyze the genetic complement (genome) of humans. Participants identify several types of DNA variations in their own DNA and use these as starting points to explore theories of human origins and applications in personalized medicine.

National Biological Information Infrastructure Your Home for Biological Information on the Web - The National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) is a broad, collaborative program to provide increased access to data and information on the nation's biological resources.The NBII links diverse, high-quality biological databases, information products, and analytical tools and topics that include Habitats, Plants, Animals and Other Organisms, Ecological Topics and more.

Hands-on Activities for Teaching Biology to High School or Middle School Students - These hands-on activities cover a broad range of biological topics, including genetics, natural selection, microorganisms, and human physiology. These activities are designed to:help students understand important biological principles and concepts, develop student understanding of the scientific process, and improve students' writing and math skills.

Columbia University Summer Research Program for Science Teachers - The primary aim of the Program is to provide New York metropolitan area middle and high school science teachers with sustained hands-on experience in scientific research so they can better understand the practice of science, and better transmit to their students and fellow teachers a feeling for its practice. Each teacher spends two consecutive summers working as a laboratory research assistant under the supervision of a Columbia faculty mentor.

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) - The Society's purpose is to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology through publication of scientific and educational journals,organization of scientific meetings, advocacy for funding of basic research and education, support of science education at all levels, and promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific workforce.

Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers: Summer Programs - CIBT Summer Programs include a Summer Biology Workshop and Special Topics in Microbiology. The workshop includes talks from Cornell faculty members, hands-on lab and field activities and opportunities for teachers to interact with other teachers and Cornell researchers. Microbiology topics have Cornell faculty illustrate new ideas about microbiology through talks and by leading the participants through a gamut of activities and labs. Activities include Microscopy techniques, Plating and Culturing experiments, and Molecular Phylogeny.

Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah: Cloning in Focus - Cloning in Focus helps you understand how genetics affects lives and society. There are interactive links that include: an introduction to cloning and how it's done, try it yourself in the mouse cloning laboratory, evaluate the reasons for using cloning techonologies, test your cloning savvy with an interactive quiz and more.

Summer Science Academy - This three week program is designed for students to use state-of -the-art equipment to do hands-on laboratory investigations and to design their own experiment. Emphasis is on microbiology and molecular biology.

High School Science Research Program (HSSRP) - HSSRP is an after school internship program for students interested in gaining hands on research experience. Students are exposed to advanced scientific material and research techniques. The goal of this program is to find students who demonstrate a keen interest in science and provide them with the knowledge and experience to work towards a career in the scientific world. Currently, the following three content areas are offered: Anthropology, Genetics and Genomics and Biodiversity.

Biological and medical scientists - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Human Genomics - Human Genomics (DNA Science alumni in grades 10-12) integrates biochemical and computer methods used to analyze the genetic complement (genome) of humans. Participants identify several types of DNA variations in their own DNA and use these as starting points to explore theories of human origins and applications in personalized medicine.

Adventures of Herman: The Autobiography of Squirmin' Herman the Worm - The Adventures of Herman will help you learn the basic vocabulary of biology: biological composition, digestion and reproduction told through a guided study of the worm. You will gain knowledge of the principles of basic scientific research and application through the creation, observation and maintenance of a worm bin and read critically and analytically by first viewing the biological life of the worm and creating an environment to support life.

Inside Cancer: Multimedia Education Resources For Cancer - Inside Cancer is a multimedia guide to cancer biology. Cancer causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and more.

2006 Summer Opportunities For Educators - From two-day workshops, to two-week fellowships, to a three-week stay at Cold Spring Harbor, training programs change from year to year, depending on availability of federal and private funds.DNA Bootcamp,Frontiers in Genomics,Plant Molecular Genetics, and Plant Molecular Genetics are a few of the topics offered.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - Established in 1988 as a national resource for molecular biology information, NCBI creates public databases, conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information - all for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease.

Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers - Originally designed specifically for high school biology teachers, the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers (CIBT) now includes elementary through high school teachers and school administrators. CIBT offers unique opportunities for professional development. The Classroom Resources and Activities section you'll find resources for CIBT-developed labs and activities.

What is it Like Where You Live? Biomes and Ecosystems of the World - Scientists have different ways to describe regions of the world. Plants and animals that live near you don't necessarily live elsewhere. Explore terrestrial biomes like Temperate Deciduous Forests, the Deserts, the Grasslands, the Rainforests and more and Aquatic Ecosystems such as Ponds and Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Wetlands and more at this interactive site.

Kidsgardening: Helping Young Minds Grow - National Gardening Association is a leading national provider of K12, plant-based educational materials. The Kidsgardening programs, projects, thematic explorations and guides help children gain knowledge in science, literacy, social studies, nutrition, the environment, and personal skill areas such as leadership, problem-solving, and team building. Also, there are listings of grants for which teachers can write to support their gardening programs.

New York Academy of Sciences: Academy Programs- New York City Science and Engineering Fair - Annual science research and technology competition for NYC high school students. Applications are due in late November.

Plant Genomics - Plant Genomics (DNA Science alumni in grades 10 to12) integrates biochemical and computer methods for analyzing plant genes. Participants examine food products for signs of genetic modification, detect jumping genes discovered by CSHL Nobelist Barbara McClintock, and have the unique opportunity to assist scientists with the analysis of newly discovered genes in rice.

2007 Dolan DNA Learning Center Summer Opportunities For Educators - Dolan DNA Learning Center Summer Opportunities For Educators highlight two day workshops, to two week fellowships, to a three week stay at Cold Spring Harbor. Training programs change from year to year, depending on availability of federal and private funds. Human and Genomic Biology, Plant Molecular Genetics and Genomics and Dynamic Gene Workshops are a few of the topics offered in 2007.

CELLS alive! - CELLS alive! has captured with film and computer-enhanced images living cells and organisms for education and medical research. This is the place to watch cells in motion! A few of the animations illustrated include the basic cell-cell interactions that lead to antibody production, the stages of mitosis in an animal cell and the sequence of activities exhibited by cells.

Underground Adventure - ``

Smithsonian National Zoological Park Online Resources for Educators and Students - The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a great place to discover and appreciate diverse and unusual creatures from tiny leaf-cutter ants to huge elephants. The Zoo's Online Resources website has animal fact sheets, live web cams, links to other educations sites, photo galleries, articles from our magazine, and Conservation Central, an online habitat education program that helps kids learn about habitat conservation through curricula and activities and more.

Learning at the Marian Koshland Science Museum Webquests - The Koshland Science Museum has created online webquest activities for students interested in learning more about issues presented in the exhibits of Global Warming and Genetic Disease.

Biologists - Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Biochemists and Biophysicists - Study the chemical composition and physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists - Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management, including the collection and analysis of biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water areas.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health - Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

Food Science Technicians - Perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists - Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.