Microbiologists
Medium43.81%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$49,070
Median$85,470
High (90th %)$147,470
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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.
The occupation "Microbiologists" holds an automation risk of 43.8%, which is close to its base risk of 44.6%. This moderate risk level suggests that while a considerable portion of microbiologists' work can be performed or assisted by automated systems, significant elements of their role remain challenging to automate. The main driver of automation in this field is the routine nature of certain laboratory tasks that can be standardized, mechanized, or digitized. Technological advancements in laboratory robotics, automation of culturing techniques, and improvements in diagnostic algorithms all increase the potential for automating a variety of procedures commonly undertaken by microbiologists. Among the most automatable tasks are those that follow a defined and repetitive procedure. These include isolating and maintaining cultures of microorganisms, which rely heavily on prescribed protocols for controlling environmental conditions. Providing laboratory services for public health needs or for assisting physicians with diagnoses is another automatable area, as these often involve highly structured processes. Additionally, monitoring and testing water, food, and environmental samples for contaminants or pathogenic microorganisms is frequently routine and can be effectively managed by automated testing systems and laboratory information management software, especially as detection technologies continue to advance. However, microbiology encompasses several critical activities that keep the occupation relatively resistant to full automation. Most notably, tasks requiring innovation or the development of new scientific approaches remain challenging for current AI and automated systems. For instance, researching the use of microbes to develop new biochemical products and pharmaceuticals, conducting complex chemical analyses, and designing novel sterilization or contamination detection techniques all demand a high level of creativity, scientific reasoning, and adaptability. These resistance factors are further highlighted by bottleneck skills such as "Originality," which have low automation levels (3.1% and 4.4%), demonstrating that creative problem-solving and innovation are key areas where human microbiologists significantly outperform machines.
Filter by Automatable Status
Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Partially Automatable
Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
Partially Automatable
Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
Partially Automatable
Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
Non-Automatable
Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Partially Automatable
Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Partially Automatable
Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.
Partially Automatable
Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
Partially Automatable
Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
Partially Automatable
Develop new products and procedures for sterilization, food and pharmaceutical supply preservation, or microbial contamination detection.
Partially Automatable
Conduct chemical analyses of substances such as acids, alcohols, and enzymes.
Partially Automatable
Research use of bacteria and microorganisms to develop vitamins, antibiotics, amino acids, grain alcohol, sugars, and polymers.
Partially Automatable
Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
Partially Automatable
Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordination
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguagePhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyEducation and Training
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Microsoft WindowsDatabase management softwarePHYLIPMicrosoft AccessAssistant Software for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Interpretation ASASIBD Biosciences CellQuestBD Biosciences CloneCytBruker Optics OPUSCodon Usage DatabaseComBaseComputing Solutions LabSoft LIMS MicroDM2 Bills of LadingFindTargetFramePlotGene FinderGene recognition softwareGenie InteractiveNetLims AutoLimsPathogen Modeling Program PMPPIBWinPredictProteinProscanProtein databasesProtein ExplorerProtScaleSTARLIMSTreeViewWHONETSAP softwareWeb browser softwareWord processing softwareStatistical softwareBasic Local Alignment Search Tool BLASTBasic Local Alignment Search Tool BLASTDatabase management softwareAssistant Software for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Interpretation ASASIBD Biosciences CellQuestBD Biosciences CloneCytBruker Optics OPUSCodon Usage DatabaseComBaseComputing Solutions LabSoft LIMS MicroDM2 Bills of LadingFindTargetFramePlotMicrosoft WindowsPHYLIPGene FinderGene recognition softwareGenie InteractiveNetLims AutoLimsPathogen Modeling Program PMPPIBWinPredictProteinProscanProtein ExplorerProtScaleSTARLIMSTreeViewWHONETMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelWord processing softwareMicrosoft Office softwareStatistical softwareOrchard Software Orchard Harvest LISLaboratory information management system LIMSLaboratory information management system LIMSProtein databasesOrchard Software Orchard Harvest LISBtB Software Mycobacteriology LabBtB Software Mycobacteriology LabComputer Service & Support CLS-2000 Laboratory SystemComputer Service & Support CLS-2000 Laboratory SystemImage capture and analysis softwareImage capture and analysis softwareVerity Software House ModFit LTVerity Software House ModFit LTMicrosoft PowerPointEmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Medium49.00%
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Animal Scientists
Medium49.11%
Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.
Soil and Plant Scientists
Medium48.11%
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medium49.97%
Study the chemical composition or 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.
Bioinformatics Scientists
Medium51.45%
Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Medium44.52%
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Geneticists
Medium46.99%
Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.
Biologists
Medium43.26%
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Epidemiologists
Medium47.47%
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Medium45.59%
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Chemists
Medium51.25%
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Agricultural Technicians
Medium50.20%
Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.
Biological Technicians
Medium56.49%
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Physicians, Pathologists
Medium41.42%
Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medium47.65%
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Cytogenetic Technologists
Medium55.83%
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Cytotechnologists
Medium38.03%
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Histology Technicians
Low28.13%
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Biostatisticians
Medium55.00%
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Food Scientists and Technologists
Medium47.16%
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Medium47.45%
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Food Science Technicians
Medium63.32%
Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.
Forensic Science Technicians
Medium37.96%
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.