Skills
Microbiologist Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in microbiologists, and how to build and show them.
What skills do microbiologists need?
Microbiologists need technical skills such as aseptic technique, microbial identification, and sterility testing, plus people skills like attention to detail and critical thinking. They also use tools such as Microscopes and Incubators.
Technical (hard) skills
- Aseptic technique
- Microbial identification
- Sterility testing
- Environmental monitoring
- Molecular methods
- Data analysis
People (soft) skills
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Patience
Tools, equipment and technology
- Microscopes
- Incubators
- Biosafety cabinets
- Autoclaves
- Identification systems
- PCR equipment
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how microbiologists put their skills to work:
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Aseptic technique” and “Microbial identification.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “attention to detail,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as ASM Specialist Microbiologist near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our microbiologist glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Microbiologist training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.