A career as Microbiologist in high demand during Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has made a devastating impact on our lives. This year, we have witnessed what damage can the suddenly emerging diseases do in such a short span of time and that too across the world. However, it has also created an opportunity for the best brains to incessantly try combating this virus putting an end to it. Microbiologists are the ones who come to the forefront in such testing times.

Microbiologists are professionals who study microorganisms, their life forms, and their effects on the environment. They focus on knowing their characteristics, growth, and interactions with other life forms. The list of various microorganisms includes Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, and other parasites. Microbiologists around the world are continuously engaged to find a solution to this problem and also study how the virus spread can be controlled. And this indeed has created a higher demand for more microbiologists.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, the demand for Microbiology courses and professionals has gone up and the ongoing pandemic is one major reason for this surge. Consequently, the candidates are trying to get into the Best Biotech Colleges in India that offer degrees and diplomas under this stream.

The most sought after degrees under this discipline include the following:

• B.Sc. (Honors) Microbiology
• M.Sc. Microbiology

The discipline of microbiology branches out into so many segments. Some of these include the following:

Biomedical Engineering: Under this branch, the candidates understand the need for the various tools, techniques, and methods in the healthcare industry. Thus they get into the manufacturing of such tools as per the required standards.

Diagnostics: The first step in any treatment is diagnosing it. The same rule applies to Covid-19. Initially, there was a shortage of testing kits which put an extended responsibility on the microbiologists and other healthcare professionals to create the testing kits and meet the rising demand. So, there is a boom in job opportunities related to diagnostics.

Virology: Virologists play a vital role. Even during this pandemic, the first-ever testing kit was developed by a virologist and her team. Virologists are also eminent players in developing the vaccines. Virology is one of the most remunerative paths when it comes to making a career in Microbiology.

Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine: In some countries, the clinical trials where stem cells for Covid-19 treatment proved to be successful. Consequently, various impacts to conduct more in-depth research in this sphere are being made, and therefore, it is expanding the job scope.

Hospital Administration: Hospitals and their employees have been working tirelessly during this calamitous period. They are determined to treat and cure this disease at the earliest. In a hospital, a team of doctors, pharmacists, and microbiologists work to study the diseases in humans. Here, microbiologists have the responsibility of finding a cure to diseases in human beings caused by microorganisms.

After completing these degrees, the students can work in various job positions. Some of these most remunerative career opportunities include the following:

• Research Assistant
• Food, Industrial or Environmental Microbiologist
• Quality Assurance Technologist
• Sales or Technical Representative
• Clinical and Veterinary Microbiologist
• Medical Technologist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Clinical Research Associate
• Microbiologist
• Pharmacologist
• Food Technologist
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Physician Associate
• Research Scientist (life sciences)

Upon the completion of B.Sc. Microbiology, the students can also work with some of the best Biotech and Pharmaceutical Companies. Some of these top companies include the following:

• Mascot International
• Siron Technology Pvt. Ltd.
• Alpha-Pharma Healthcare India Private Limited
• Krauter Healthcare Limited
• The Indian Hotels Company Limited
• Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd.
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Mascot International
• Pfizer
• Alpha-Pharma Healthcare India Private Limited
• Sun Pharma
• Mankind Pharma

Conclusion: Although the Covid cases are declining worldwide, the war against it is not yet over. This unprecedented situation has opened up space for more microbiologists in the industry. Owing to this, more and more candidates are trying to get enrolled in microbiology courses. In the times to come, the job openings in this industry can further increase manifolds. So, just get admission to one of the best colleges and start your pursuit to a better, brighter future.