Nigeria is a country with one of the largest economies in West Africa. It also has opportunities that are available in a wide spectrum of sectors. However, despite all the wealth that the nation wields, it still attracts negative international press because of the long-standing issues of corruption and inequality. Working professionals that reside in Nigeria may find themselves downcast as a result of the seemingly unending daily struggles, even though the country continues its efforts towards reforming the business world.
When it comes to working in Nigeria, embracing the entire experience is paramount to coping with a lot of challenges that may arise in the long run. Along with this, salaries should be weighed against the high cost of living especially when it comes to the Nate necessities like; feeding, accommodation, schooling, healthcare, and other essentials. Ensuring that provisions are made to cover these costs when negotiating job rates and contracts is very needful.
When on the hunt for jobs, it is necessary to consider the employment market. Exceptional skills are highly required, particularly in sectors like engineering, communication, journalism, the health sciences, and many other professional sectors. Having over 250 diverse ethnic groups and a wealth of internationally multi-national companies, the country Nigeria has become a hub for both expatriates and indigents with its ever-welcoming business environment. Here and now, the topic of interest is where a microbiologist can work in Nigeria. This guide is here to reveal to you the job opportunities available to microbiologists in Nigeria.
Where Can A Microbiologist Work In Nigeria?
In Nigeria, microbiologists work in hospitals, government laboratories, universities, medical schools, and several industries. From the space industry to agriculture, the microbiologist’s job almost has no boundaries. Based on their job positions and the functions they play, microbiologists in Nigeria are of different types. These types are explained below:
Industry Microbiologist/ Quality Assurance Technologist
Microbiologist experts that work in this setting test for the quality and safety of antibiotics, vitamins, antiseptics, and vaccines. Along with this, they also check out environmental products, food, pharmaceutical products, and microorganisms in water. Some examples of the agencies, industries, and hospitals that microbiologists in this category work at include; NAFDAC, NDLEA, SON, etc)
Veterinary Microbiologist/ Medical Technologist
Microbiologists that work in hospitals and clinics identify microbes in humans and animals. They must be experts that are knowledgeable of making use of the latest technological equipment(s) to identify disease-causing organisms for sickness prevention.
Petroleum Microbiologist
This branch of microbiology falls under environmental biology. Petroleum microbiologists are employed to study and monitor oilfield organisms. The job of a petroleum microbiologist requires him or her to identify and monitor organisms that cause the corrosion of oil/gas pipelines and the spoilage of reservoirs.
Technical Representatives
Microbiologists that work in this sector provide necessary information about medical, pharmaceutical, and scientific products to interested individuals or prospective customers. There are many other career paths that a bachelor of science degree holder in microbiology can resort to apart from just technical jobs.
Research Assistant
Microbiologists in this category work in a team of scientists and research directors to conduct research by providing technical support. They mainly work in industries, medical school land, universities, and government.
Most Basic Employers Of Microbiologists
Because microbiology is a course that incorporates other areas of biology like; Immunology, Genetics, Molecular biology, there’s a wealth of Microbiology-related careers in vast sections. Basic employers of microbiology denote the typical employers of microbiologists, and they include;
- Environmental organizations
- Petroleum and Pharmaceutical Industries
- Healthcare Organizations
- Private Hospitals
- Forensic Science Laboratories
- Public Health Organizations
- Water and Biotechnology Companies
- Food and Drink Companies
- Public Education Institutions
- Toiletry Industries, etc.
Regardless, as a Microbiologist, the career opportunities you can select from will depend on your level of education, as well as the level of training you have gotten.
The Job Of A Microbiologist
Microbiologists are scientists that study microorganisms through the use of microscopes for the purpose of health and product improvements. Microorganisms are both useful and harmful, hence they require extensive study and research. Microorganisms are essential for life and can be effectively used for industrial and medical purposes. The more reason why Microbiology experts are needed in the field.
Qualifications For The Position Of Certified Microbiologist
There are several career paths that a bachelor holder of a science degree in microbiology can choose. To further broaden one’s career choices, a higher degree in microbiology will be required. Although, a master’s degree can qualify a person for a position of laboratory supervisor or an institution instructor, nonetheless, a doctoral degree Ph.D. — or the equivalent of a Ph.D. is necessary for positions in higher levels of microbiology and related sciences.
Wrap-up
The job of a Microbiologist is indeed a commendable one. However, while on the job hunt, it is needful to note that work experiences and internships give you a better chance at landing a job. Most employers value analytic and problem-solving skills more than mere intellectual, so you might want to add that to your notebook.