Where Can a Microbiologist Work in Ghana?
Where can a microbiologist work in Ghana? This question is pretty important especially for prospective microbiologist and graduates of microbiology.
There are a lot of spheres where microbiologist could be useful. We are talking not only about medical issues but also about scientific, industrial, academic jobs and so on.
Contents
Who is a Microbiologist?
Microbiologists are scientists who study microorganisms. These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, yeasts, algae, protozoa, fungi and other microscopic forms of life. Some of these microorganisms are infectious agents to humans, animals or plants.
On the other hand, many of these microorganisms carry out some important life processes which are very essential. Microbiologists study the interaction of microorganisms with people and how they affect our lives, as well as the roles these organisms play in the environment.
They isolate and make cultures of microorganisms, identify their characteristics, and observe their reactions to chemicals and other kinds of stimuli. They also study how microorganisms develop and reproduce as well as their distribution in nature.
Microbiologists work in hospitals, universities, medical schools, government laboratories, and almost every industry, specializing in a variety of areas, from agriculture to the space industry.
Medical Microbiology Job Opportunities in Ghana
A medical microbiologist can easily find a job here in Ghana in almost every industry. For graduates who study microbiology, you’ll notice that the course is interwoven with other branches of science such as genetics, molecular biology and immunology.
Typically, a microbiologist can get employed in any of these sectors in Ghana below:
- Healthcare organisations such as private hospitals
- Public health organisations
- Environmental organisations
- Industry such as food and drink, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, water and biotechnology companies
- Forensic science laboratories
- Publicly funded research organisations
- Higher education institutions.
However, the career opportunities you can choose from as a microbiologist will depend on the level of education and training you receive.
Skills Needed As A Microbiologist in Ghana
Microbiologists are expected to develop some certain skills that will aid them in their work environment. Some of these skills include the ability to:
- Employ a range of investigative, recording and analysis techniques
- Prepare, interpret and present data, using statistical programmes, qualitative and quantitative techniques and spreadsheets
- Conduct literature searches and critically evaluate information
- Undertake practical laboratory investigations in a safe, responsible and ethical manner
- Apply scientific thought, rationales and approaches.
Other general skills which you can also develop include;
- Teamwork and the ability to work on your own initiative
- A flexible approach to work
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication
- Time management and organisational skills
- Ability to evaluate your own performance and that of others.
Further Study as a Microbiologist
Most microbiology students in Ghana go on to further study at Masters or PhD level in subjects such as:
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Environmental microbiology
- Genetics
- Medical microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Pharmacology
- Virology
Depending on your career path, you can get a job in academics, government research institutes, healthcare organisation, and industry.
However, most people who further up to PhD level often get employed in the universities where they lecture and carry out research. Other microbiology graduates even proceed to graduate-entry programme in medicine.
Some microbiology graduates choose to diversify by studying subjects such as computing, science communication and journalism. You can also choose to take further study in areas such as marketing, finance, business, teaching and law.
Conclusion
Conclusively, there are a wide variety of job opportunities for Microbiology graduates in Ghana. So many establishments are always in need of microbiologists who are articulated with different skills.
On the other hand, your career path solely depends on you. You can choose to pursue any career path as a microbiologist in Ghana. To get a job faster as a microbiologist in Ghana, I will recommend you check our job directory for latest openings.
