Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Microbiologist
What microbiologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a microbiologist?
Read plates from yesterday’s tests. From there, the day usually includes culture and identify microorganisms, test products for contamination, and design and run experiments. Most work full-time; some tests require weekend checks.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a microbiologist working full time.
- Read plates from yesterday’s tests.
- Identify a bacterial isolate.
- Monitor a clean room for contamination.
- Review sterility test results.
- Investigate a contamination event.
- Run an antimicrobial test.
- Write reports.
Where microbiologists work
Microbiologists work in labs, sometimes with infectious agents under biosafety rules.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; some tests require weekend checks.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Culture and identify microorganisms
- Test products for contamination
- Design and run experiments
- Monitor clean rooms and environments
- Analyze data
- Write reports
- Supervise technicians
Tools you’ll use every day
- Microscopes
- Incubators
- Biosafety cabinets
- Autoclaves
- Identification systems
- PCR equipment
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong pay
- Protect public health
- Many industries
- Fascinating science
What’s hard
- Biohazard exposure
- Repetitive testing in QC roles
- Advanced degrees for research
- Strict procedures
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love biology
- I’m careful and precise
- I want to protect health
- I like lab work
- I enjoy investigating
- I’m willing to study for years
Not sure? Take the free Microbiologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow biosafety level procedures
- Wear PPE
- Autoclave waste
- Report exposures