Growing demand for microbiologists
Demand for microbiologists is expected to grow as environmental regulations around water quality and food safety increase. There is also a growing demand for New Zealand scientists to produce new products that can be sold worldwide.
According to the Census, 156 microbiologists worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Government funding supports range of microbiology projects
Through Budget 2020 and the COVID Response and Recovery Fund the Government is investing over $400 million in science and innovation over four years.
One of the Government’s priorities is supporting scientists to contribute to international efforts to create a novel coronavirus vaccine. This is expected to create further opportunities for microbiologists.
The funding will assist microbiologists working in other practical areas including:
- water and environmental monitoring
- food safety
- new foods and vaccines (for diseases other than COVID-19)
- biofuel production.
Commercial laboratory experience valued by employers
Science graduates with some laboratory skills can expect to work as technicians or assistants before moving into more senior roles.
Employers prefer to employ microbiologists who have:
- patience, perseverance and flexibility, and an eagerness to learn
- some experience working in a manufacturing or clinical laboratory
- a strong customer focus and understanding of working to best practice.
Types of employers varied
Microbiologists may work for:
- Crown research institutes (CRIs)
- universities
- medical and veterinary laboratories
- hospitals
- biotechnology companies
- commercial science laboratories
- agricultural product manufacturing companies
- food manufacturing companies
- private research institutes
- breweries.
