Career Guide: How to become a microbiologist in India?

Given the rise in demand of essential sector professions, one such profession stands out as well. A career as a microbiologist is a mixture of expertise in biology, technology as well as heavy duty research work that makes it one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions in India. Microbiologists are required at several industries and not simply the field of research and development. For instance, did you know there is a huge demand for microbiologists in the food and agro industry? A microbiologist career can be a great pick for someone inclined towards biotechnology and research. If this sounds like you, read this career blog about how to pursue a career as a microbiologist to know the path and the prerequisites involved.

Who is a Microbiologist?  

Microbiologists are scientists that study microscopic life forms and their relevant processes. Microbiology pertains to the study of the growth, characteristics, and interaction of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, and parasites along with their vectors.  

How to pursue a career as a microbiologist?  

Eligibility: To pursue a career as a microbiologist in India, you must choose stream Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as your major subjects after your 10th SSC. A major in Biology is compulsory in the 12th HSC. The minimum requirement for getting into a microbiology college is scoring 50% or more in the 12th HSC examinations.

A B. Sc degree in Microbiology, Biology, Zoology or Botany is compulsory to pursue a Master’s or Ph. D degree in microbiology.

1. Bachelor course: B.Sc in Microbiology  
2. Masters course: M.Sc in Microbiology
3. M.Phil or Ph. D in Microbiology: Where a Master’s degree in the relevant subject of interest is mandatory.

Note: Most Universities in India conduct an entrance exam followed by an interview for their Master’s, M.Phil and Ph.D. programs.

Opportunities for microbiologists: 

A microbiologist career will open doors for you not only in traditional laboratories, but also the following industries with amazing packages:

Environmental conservation

Genetic engineering

Pharmaceutical industry

Government and private healthcare

Medicine

Industrial Research and Development

Agriculture

Food Industries

Top organizations hiring microbiologists in India

There are highly paid jobs for microbiologists who have great skill in their areas of expertise. Give below are few of the biggest organizations in the country that regularly recruit microbiologists:

Molecular Connections Pvt. Ltd.

Himalaya Drug Company

Sami Labs Ltd.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratory

Novozymes South Asia Pvt. Ltd.

Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.

Abexome Biosciences Pvt. Ltd.

Radiant Research and Services Pvt. Ltd.

Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.

Reliance Life Sciences.

Cipla Ltd.

Connexios Life Sciences Pvt.Ltd.

Abbott India Ltd.

Pfizer

Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd

The Indian Hotels Company Ltd

Krauter Healthcare Limited

Alpha Pharma Healthcare India Pvt Ltd

Siron Technology Pvt Ltd

Mascot International

Study material for more research regarding a microbiologist career

If you are keen to learn more about your potential career as a microbiologist and want a head start, you can begin reading these books to understand the basics of the subject.

Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple by Mark Gladwin, Bill Trattler and C. Scott Mahan

Microbiology: An Introduction by Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke and Christine L. Case

Prescott’s Microbiology by Joanne Willey, Linda Sherwood, and Christopher J. Woolverton

Jawetz Melnick & Adelbergs Medical Microbiology by Geo. Brooks, Karen C. Carroll, Janet Butel and Stephen Morse

Brock Biology of Microorganisms by Michael T. Madigan, John M. Martinko, Kelly S. Bender, Daniel H. Buckley, David A. Stahl, and Thomas Brock

Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology by Patricia Tille

Advantages vs. disadvantages of a microbiologist career 

Since the demand of a microbiologist spans across various industries, it has several advantages and disadvantages, as mentioned below.

Advantages:

Flexible working environments and conditions

High in demand and very lucrative

Several opportunities in the major sectors of the Indian economy

An opportunity to make a difference in an essential sector  

Disadvantages:

The microbiology job market is highly competitive.

The microbiologist may face exposure to hazardous materials at work.

Careers in the biotechnology and microbiology field can bring a candidate all the recognition and expertise they want as this is a field responsible for groundbreaking research. The importance of microbiology and biotechnology has been acknowledged further with the ongoing research for the COVID-19 vaccine. We hope this guide helped you with the information necessary to take a step further; for more career guides such as nursing or data science, refer to our blogs.