CAReer options IN MICROBIOLOGY
What are the latest industry trends in this field?
Microbiology is the study of minute living organisms , which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Recent trends from the industry focus on production of totally new eukaryotic compounds like
insulin, interferon and other recombinant products, using micro-organisms in large quantities. There are a number of probiotic microbes being used in the manufacturing of various food and
pharmaceutical products . Biofuels like bioethanol and biodiesel are being manufactured using new raw materials like lignocellulosics, algae and other biomass material to replace fossil fuels.
Many new recombinant vaccines are produced to replace crude vaccines and make them polyvalent to reduce the dosage.
What are the job options available for students who pursue microbiology?
Microbiology is offered at three levels —UG , PG and PhD. Students pursuing UG in microbiology can work at science laboratories and pathology labs. Microbiology graduates can pursue PG in
microbiology . Once they complete their course, they can work in microbiology based industries like pharmaceutical, dairy, breweries, distilleries, enzyme, etc. Alternatively , they can also
pursue their PhD programme . After a few years of experience, one can start a pathology laboratory. Students who complete PhD can take up teaching at universities and PG colleges. They can also
take up a post doctoral research with good fellowship and contingency grants offered by funding agencies like UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DST, DBT, etc.
What should students keep in mind when they pursue microbiology?
To make a career in microbiology, candidates must be very strong in both basic and applied aspects of microbiology including special skills in laboratory techniques. For example, if their focus
is on the fermentation industry, a strong background in industrial microbiology or fermentation technology is a must. For students pursuing pathology, add-on training in various lab
investigations is a must. Students who want to upgrade their skills can opt for various certificate , diploma and short-term courses in different disciplines of microbiology offered by various
universities and R&D centres.
What is the scope of microbiology as a specialisation in India and across the globe?
In India, microbiology is offered by several universities without any specialisation. This equips students to choose from a variety of specialisations. With a number of microspecialisations , and
an increase in the demand for qualified microbiologists, freshers have a good scope in India. Globally, bacteriology, virology, immunology, applied microbiology, microbial biotechnology, medical
microbiology, food and dairy microbiology, veterinary and agricultural microbiology are emerging specialisations.
What remuneration can a fresher expect?
An undergraduate fresher can expect Rs 5,000-10 ,000 a month. Postgraduates and doctorates can expect Rs 18,000-40 ,000 a year.
CAREER WATCH
- UNDERGRADUATES: Lab technicians Lab assistants
- POSTGRADUATES: Analysts in quality control Research assistants Assistant production managers Lab supervisors
- DOCTORATE: Manager quality control and production Research officers Executives in R&D industries