Career options for microbiologists

The high-potential biotech industry has a lot to offer youth interested in biology, environment and ecology studies. Career opportunities in industry and corporates are numerous.  Microbiology is fast emerging as a popular career choice for 21st century youth. Hardly  surprising given that microbes affect every aspect of life — negatively and positively. The world around us is replete with micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, too small to be seen with the naked eye. A microbiologist’s job is to study these microbes living in diverse habitats, ranging from hot springs to the human body, and even in the depths of oceans, and devise ways and means by which their beneficial qualities can be harnessed for human good, and their adverse effects on human health and well-being combated. But while microbial organisms often cause disease, they can also be used to develop antibiotics which build immunities to them. Moreover, while some micro-organisms cause food spoilage, others are essential for its production. Without yeast, there would be neither bread nor beer and without lactic acid bacteria, no yogurt. Microbes can also be harnessed to combat or reduce environmental pollution. Microbiology is quintessentially an interdisciplinary science which stimulates the learning of sciences of all types across the education spectrum. After completing Plus Two with physics, chemistry and biology, students are qualified for admission into the B.Sc microbiology programme offered by most colleges countrywide. However for successful careers in the multiplying number of biotech corporates and in research institutions, it is advisable to acquire a Masters degree with further specialisation in medical, food, industrial microbiology and microbial technology. Masters programmes in this subject are offered by several varsities in India, the reputed ones being Mumbai, Pune, and Calcutta universities, Banaras Hindu University, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Haryana Agriculture University, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, University of Madras and Osmania University. Career opportunities in biotech related industries and corporates are numerous and growing. Today, microbiologists are sought after by R&D labs of government and private hospitals, dedicated research institutes, and pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemicals industries. Moreover, there are big opportunities in formulations research, analytical development, clinical research and new drugs discovery. Microbiologists also have the option to teach in universities, colleges and schools. For teaching in colleges, a Masters degree is adequate, especially when supplemented with CSIR/UGC-NET qualifications, but a doctorate opens more avenues at the university level, as teaching and research jobs are multiplying. In non-academic research institutes, private industry and government agencies as well, there is sustained demand for microbiologists with PhD and SET-NET qualifications. Simultaneously, a growing number of qualified microbiologists are going solo and setting up their own diagnostic labs. Although the biotech industry is not yet a high wage island, salary packages are set to expand substantially in the near future. Currently, a fresh B.Sc graduate is likely to start with a monthly remuneration of around Rs.10,000, an M.Sc with Rs.15,000 and a Ph D between Rs.20,000-25,000. However, prospects of pay packages tripling in…