Bacteriologist

Bacteriologists study and investigate a group of single-celled micro-organisms that are classed as bacteria. About 10,000 species of bacteria have been identified and new ones are being discovered every day. The study of bacteria is relevant to the fields of medicine, agriculture, industry, and biotechnology.

The role of a bacteriologist varies depending on the area in which they work:

Industry, where bacteriologists work in companies manufacturing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food and drink, home and personal care products, and consumer goods.
Research, where bacteriologists study a particular genus or species. This work may be new and untried, and often techniques are selected by the researcher. Researchers may work in hospitals, universities and private companies.

In all areas the work involves the interpretation and analysis of findings, and may include:

designing and conducting experiments
understanding health and safety issues
making observations and drawing conclusions
writing reports and scientific papers
presenting papers at scientific meetings and conferences.

Bacteriologists are likely to work in a multidisciplinary team with other scientists, including geneticists, biochemists, microbiologists and chemical engineers.

Hours and environment

Bacteriologists usually work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may be required for fieldwork or some experiments.

Bacteriologists work in laboratories or factories, or out in the field. All bacteriologists must wear protective clothing in laboratories. This may include approved laboratory coats, gloves, masks and eye protection, or an all-over protective suit. Microbes are classified as biohazardous substances so bacteriologists must follow strict health and safety regulations.

Bacteriologists may sit or stand at a bench or piece of equipment for long periods of time. The job might involve travel to meetings and conferences.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Starting salaries for a laboratory assistant may be from around €23,000 to €25,000.
Qualified bacteriologists may earn from around €30,000 to €40,000 a year.
Top salaries range from around €45,000 to €65,000 a year.

Skills and personal qualities

Bacteriologists need to:

have strong scientific ability
be able to work methodically and to a high level of precision
have patience and good concentration
have an enquiring mind and good problem-solving skills
be good at working with their hands
be able to work well alone and as part of a team
have good communication skills and be able to write reports and give presentations
have IT skills
be highly safety-conscious.

Interests

It helps to have an interest in:

biochemistry
the identification of viruses and treatment of disease.

Getting in

Bacteriologists work in a number of industry sectors, including the water industry, food industry and pharmaceuticals, as well as for government departments, universities and food research associations. In the HSE, bacteriology is usually one of the areas of work of clinical microbiologists and biomedical scientists rather than being a distinct profession.

Entry routes

Entry is usually with a degree in a science subject. Research bacteriologists often have a general science degree that includes elements of microbiology. Relevant subjects include biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physiology, microbiology and medical laboratory sciences.

Training

Bacteriologists are given regular on-the-job training to learn new laboratory techniques, and keep up to date with IT developments and health and safety regulations. They may also receive training for personal development, management or supervisory responsibilities.

Bacteriologists may study towards postgraduate qualifications or membership of a professional body. The Institute of Biomedical Science offers a range of specialist diplomas and certificates of practice.