Microbiology refers to the study of microscopic organisms; such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with the help of fundamental research in biochemistry, physiology, cell biology and ecology. Microbiologists undertake research, document and report their findings and monitor laboratory work. They also perform laboratory analysis, tests on samples and also study various cultures of microorganisms and their interaction with the environment.
In order to become a Microbiologist, the aspirant must build a strong foundation of sciences, particularly biology and biochemistry. Along with this, aspirants must also have an excellent knowledge of microscopes and other equipment used in the field of microbiology.
Some of the top colleges in India that offer Microbiology courses are Amity University, Bharath University, Chennai, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Jiwaji University, etc. These universities offer a number of courses in microbiology such as BSc in Microbiology, BSc Genetics, MSc in Medical Microbiology, etc.
Microbiology has emerged as a booming science in recent times and its scope in India has increased. Eligible candidates with a degree in microbiology are in demand in various branches such as medicine, pharmacy, food agriculture, environment and many more.
Table of Content
- What Does A Microbiologist Do?
- Types of Microbiologists
- Skills Required to Become a Microbiologist
- Salary of a Microbiologist in India
4.2 City Wise Salary
What Does A Microbiologist Do?
A microbiologist is tasked with investigating all aspects related to the growth of microscopic organisms, undertaking analysis and preparing reports related to their findings. Broadly, the jobs and responsibilities of a microbiologist include the following:
- Conducting Research: Microbiologists conduct research on microscopic organisms using a variety of identification methods, aspects related to their growth and survival and their interaction with the outside environment. They also record, analyze and interpret data.
- Collection of Samples: Microbiologists collect samples containing microorganisms from a variety of different locations.
- Provide Laboratory Services: Microbiologists comply with health departments, physicians and pharmaceutical companies to provide the required information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Develop Pharmaceutical Products: Microbiologists are also responsible for developing drugs, vaccines, other pharmaceutical products, sterilization processes and testing processes. They develop new techniques and plan methods to prevent the spread of new diseases
- Investigate Issues: They investigate issues that come up during research, collection of samples or maintenance of records.
- Maintain Records: It is also one of the duties of a microbiologist to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of activities conducted in the laboratory and keep with the new research being conducted in the field of microbiology
- Monitoring of Laboratory Activities: Microbiologists monitor and supervise the activities being conducted in the laboratory.
Check: Medical Courses in India
Types of Microbiologists
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnologist | They undertake innovative research in areas such as quality control, quality certification and data innovation. | INR 4,95,315 |
| Food Technologist | It is the job of a food technologist to come up with new foods and flavours using prototypes. They also identify, monitor and report on various aspects related to the quality of food materials. | INR 4,17,785 |
| Biomedical Scientist | They undertake scientific experiments, usually in a laboratory and also design experiments and sometimes supervise them as the “primary investigator”. | INR 3,95,054 |
| Clinical and Laboratory Technologist | They conduct research on human bodily fluids using scientific analysis. They are also responsible for the collection of samples. | INR 4,00,810 |
Skills Required to Become a Microbiologist
Candidates aspiring for the field of Microbiology must have a strong foundation of Biomedical and Biochemistry. They must also possess strong analytical and mathematical skills. A deep understanding of laboratory procedures and techniques is needed as well.
Below is a list of popular skills sought in aspiring candidates:
| Research Analysis | Documentation |
| Quality Control/Quality Assurance | GMP Compliance |
| Molecular Biology | Analytical Skills |
| Aseptic Processing | Interpersonal Skills |
| Good Laboratory Practices | Interpretational Skills |
| Writing Procedures | Teamwork Skills |
Check: BSc Biochemistry Course
Salary of a Microbiologist in India
According to PayScale, the annual average salary of a Microbiologist in India is INR 3,11,254. Below is a breakdown of the average salary of a microbiologist in India:
| Base Salary | INR 1,23,000 - INR 10,00,000 |
| Bonus | INR 2,000 - INR 1,97,000 |
| Profit Sharing | INR 100 - INR 1,00,000 |
| Commission | INR 1,30,000 |
| Total Pay | NR 1,38,000 - INR 10,00,000 |
Organization Wise Salary
| Name of the Organization | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government Sector | INR 3,60,000-INR 4,80,000 |
| Private Sector | INR 3,00,000 |
City Wise Salary
| City Name | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | INR 3,27,092 |
| New Delhi | INR 7,96,593 |
| Pune | INR 2,58,263 |
| Ranchi | INR 2,65,963 |
| Bengaluru | INR 2,86,153 |
| Kolkata | INR 2,11,596 |
| Chennai | INR 2,31,098 |
Experience Wise Salary
| Level of Experience | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (Less than 1 year) | INR 2,96,000 |
| Early Career (1-4 years ) | INR 3,02,000 |
| Mid Career (5-9 years) | INR 4,13,803 |
| Experienced Career (10-19 years) | INR 6,11,561 |
| Late Career (20+ years) | INR 30,00,000 |
Check: MSc Biochemistry
Top Recruiters for Microbiologists in India
Some of the top recruiting companies that hire Microbiologists in India are provided in the table below:
| Pfizer | Wize Enterprise |
| Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd. | PI Industries Limited |
| Krauter Healthcare Limited | Bioreserve |
| Mascot International | Aurobindo |
| Cisco System | Cipla Inc. |
Check: Top Biochemistry Colleges In India
Microbiologist Scope in India
In recent times, the scope of microbiology has increased in India and many new job opportunities are emerging in the fields of pharmacy, food technology, agriculture and many more.
Some of the highest paying recruiters in India are Aurobindo, Cipla and Pfizer. Some of the popular courses for higher education in Microbiology are BSc Microbiology, MSc Microbiology and Medical Microbiology which are discussed below:
Scope of BSc Microbiology in India
BSc in Microbiology is an undergraduate course that deals with the use of various scientific technologies that are used in Microbiology and the study of various cultures.
| Eligibility | Candidates must have passed class 12th with an aggregate of 50%-60% marks and subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology as compulsory. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 50,000 - INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary after BSc Microbiology | INR 3,00,000 - INR 4,00,000 |
| Jobs after BSc Microbiology | Clinical Research Coordinator, Quality Control Microbiologist, Senior Business Analyst, etc. |
Scope of MSc Microbiology in India
MSc Microbiology is a postgraduate course in microbiology which combines the discipline in chemistry and biology.
| Eligibility | Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and an aggregate of at least 50%. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 20,000 - INR 1,00,000 |
| Average Salary after MSc Microbiology | INR 3,50,000 - INR 7,00,000 |
| Jobs after MSc Microbiology | Research Analyst, Research Assistant, Pharmacologist, etc. |
Scope of Medical Microbiology in India
MSc in Medical Microbiology is opted by students who have specialized in subjects like Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry etc.
| Eligibility | Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology with an aggregate of at least 55% (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates) |
| Average Course Fee | INR 5,000 - INR 3,00,000 |
| Average Salary after Medical Microbiology | INR 1,00,000 - INR 10,00,000 |
| Jobs after Medical Microbiology | Biomedical Scientist, Science Writer, Medical Representative, Researchers, Clinical Laboratory Technician, etc. |
Microbiologist Scope in India: FAQs
Ques. Which are the top colleges for microbiology courses in India?
Ans. Some of the best institutes for microbiology courses in India are:
- Madras Christian College, Madras
- Chennai Presidency College, Chennai
- AIIMS Delhi, Delhi
- Manipal University, Manipal
- King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
- Jawaharlal Institute of PostGraduate Medical Education and Research, Pudicherry
Ques. Which is the highest paying career in Microbiology?
Ans. The highest paying career in Microbiology is that of a Biomedical Scientist, which pays an average annual salary of INR 5,81,325.
Ques. What is the curriculum of BSc. Microbiology?
Ans. Subjects included in the curriculum of BSc Microbiology are General Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Microbial Genetics, Molecular Biology.
Ques. What is the exam pattern for AIIMS Entrance Exam for Microbiology postgraduate courses?
Ans. The paper will comprise 7 sections of MCQs containing 200 questions in total, testing candidates on their knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology.
Ques. What are the typical working hours of a microbiologist?
Ans. A microbiologist is required to work in an office as well as a laboratory. While office hours are around 9 hours, laboratory work requires overtime and night-shifts.
Ques. Can microbiology be done after MBBS?
Ans. Yes, candidates may opt for an MD in microbiology as a paramedical subject after completing MBBS.
Ques. Is Mathematics a mandatory subject for Microbiology?
Ans. Mathematics is not a mandatory subject for admission to courses in Microbiology. Biology is the mandatory subject.
Ques. Which are some popular career choices in Microbiology?
Ans. Some of the popular career specialisations in Microbiology are Biomedical Scientists, Research Analyst, Virologist, Food Technologist. These are also some of the highest paying career options in Microbiology.
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