We surveyed 1,008 microbiologists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical microbiologist. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a microbiologist?

Low

High

Working as a microbiologist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that microbiologists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.

Can I learn to become a microbiologist?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a microbiologist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a microbiologist?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a microbiologist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for microbiologists.

Info

Do microbiologists work full-time or part-time?

75% of microbiologists work in full-time roles while 25% work part-time.

Is being a microbiologist stressful?

Low

High

Stress is not uncommon amongst microbiologists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

Is being organized important as a microbiologist?

Low

High

Some level of organization is generally required to be a microbiologist.

How competitive is the workplace for microbiologists?

Low

High

Microbiologists see mild competition in their workplace.

Does being a microbiologist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for microbiologists.

Are microbiologists allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Microbiologists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do microbiologists have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally microbiologists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.

Is being a microbiologist physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a microbiologists is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.

Are microbiologists exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Microbiologists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a microbiologist require attention to detail?

Low

High

As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for microbiologists.

Does being a good microbiologist require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a microbiologist.