We surveyed 910 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.
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
Microbiologists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
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.