The number of jobs available for microbiologists also depends on funding for scientific research. As a result, micobiologists' skills in understanding viruses, bacteria and fungi that are harmful to the environment and to people are being required more and more. The work of microbiologists is also becoming more important for industries such as horticulture and forestry, and those that deal with soil and water. Breakthoughs in molecular biology have provided microbiologists with more information and a better understanding of DNA and molecular technology, which plays a part in their work. As a result, microbiologists need to develop a greater understanding of molecular biology and the technology that is used to investigate micro-organisms and to provide answers to problems.
Turnover is relatively low among microbiologists as employment opportunities are fairly limited.
Many microbiologists develop a career in research or move into management roles. For those thinking of entering microbiology, I would suggest taking some molecular biology papers in their training because of the importance of molecular biology in our work today.