What job does a microbiologist do in a lab setting?

I'm thinking about studying biology in college, and microbiology seems interesting. What kind of work does a microbiologist do? Are they mostly in labs, and what industries hire them?

Microbiologists play a crucial role in laboratory settings, across a wide range of industries such as healthcare, agriculture, food industry, and pharmaceuticals.

In a laboratory, a microbiologist's primary role is to research and study microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They usually work on tasks including performing complex research projects, developing new drugs to combat infectious diseases, tracking the evolution of potentially harmful microorganisms, and monitoring and improving the environment.

In the healthcare industry, microbiologists might be involved in clinical research and pathology labs where they investigate the presence of microbes in patients and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In the agriculture sector, they work towards researching and developing ways to enhance crop production. For the food industry, they could work on maintaining standards for food safety. In the pharmaceuticals industry, they'd be involved in the development of medications, vaccines, or treatments.

Various sectors require the expertise of microbiologists, hence, providing diverse opportunities for job placements after graduation. The role can heavily involve lab work, but also can entail field work depending on the nature of the job.

A key aspect of being a microbiologist in a lab is the continuous learning and keeping up-to-date with the latest research and findings. It's a dynamic field with discoveries at the forefront of science that potentially impact the health and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.