NSIM

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Clinical microbiologists study microorganisms that cause infections and diseases. They monitor and analyse microbial cultures and samples using specialist computer software and a range of identification methods and clinical trials. Typical tasks include:

• identifying fungal, parasitic, viral and bacterial infections

• testing the strength and virulence of microbes

• using a variety of biochemical and molecular methods to determine organisms that cause infection

• collaborating and liaising with healthcare professionals and industrial or clinical colleagues

• recording, analysing and interpreting data

• writing research papers, reports and reviews

• undertaking work aimed at helping to prevent the spread of infections within hospitals

• carrying out research into specific diseases

• managing laboratories

• supervising biomedical scientists

Qualifications and training required

degree in a relevant subject such as biochemistry, microbiology, biology, chemistry, immunology, biomedical science, biotechnology, medical physics or genetics is required for entry. A postgraduate qualification, research work, hospital laboratory placements and paid or voluntary experience gained using relevant scientific and analytical techniques can be beneficial.

Key skills for clinical microbiologists

• Patience, decisiveness and meticulousness

• Ability to work quickly and accurately

• A logical and inquisitive mind

• A systematic approach to tasks

• Excellent IT skills

• Experimental and analytical skills

• Ability to work as part of a team

Typical employers of clinical microbiologists

• Pathology departments

• Diagnostic laboratories

• Medical schools

• Hospitals

• Public Health England

• NHS Blood and Transplant

• Private laboratories

• Water and waste management companies

• Food and drink manufacturers