O*NET-SOC 19-1022.00 · US REFERENCE
Microbiologists
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Skill importance below is an O*NET US occupational rating, not a global or individual benchmark. No score here is a job-loss probability or a prediction.
Examples of work in this occupation
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
O*NET task statements describe US work; do not perform regulated or hazardous tasks without appropriate training and authorization.
Skills to examine first
Science
US occupation importance: 4.62/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Turn a fictional claim into a testable question; list evidence that would change your view.
Reading Comprehension
US occupation importance: 4.12/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Summarise a public, role-relevant document in five points; verify each point against the source.
Writing
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Draft a one-page explanation of a fictional decision for a non-specialist; ask for clarity feedback.
Critical Thinking
US occupation importance: 4.00/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Compare two approaches to a fictional task and document one counterargument for each.
Active Listening
US occupation importance: 3.88/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Ask a peer to explain a fictional work problem; paraphrase it and check what you missed.
Speaking
US occupation importance: 3.88/5 · rating last updated 2024-08-01
Explain a safe example of your work in two minutes, then ask which point was unclear.
These prompts are RolePaths practice suggestions, not O*NET instructions, training or certification.
Related work to compare
O*NET marks these occupations as related. That is a comparison starting point, not a guaranteed career transition. Check local licensing and entry requirements.
Your next seven days
- Choose one skill above and a fictional or non-confidential work example.
- Practise for 20 minutes on three days; keep one small output.
- Ask a qualified peer for feedback against clear criteria.
- Reassess the same career and record what changed.
Source and limits
Occupation definition, task examples, skill importance and related-occupation links come from the US O*NET 31.0 Database. RolePaths selected the top six skills by importance and authored the practice prompts. Career fit, local salaries, automation timing and licensing have not been verified.