Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
A virologist is a research professional. Virologists study viruses that
affect humans, animals, bacterial cells and plants. Virologists
typically work in research or teaching, and many split their time
between these two activities. The job may be in the medical environment
of a hospital or clinic or in a diagnostic, industrial or research
laboratory. Virologists may also work as science writers or pursue
additional training to work in pharmaceutical business or law.
Preparing, conducting and
overseeing studies of microorganisms is a core duty. Research studies
normally are done with scientific equipment in labs. Virologists observe bacteria that has become host to a virus by applying
different levels of moisture, temperatures and air conditions to see how
it reacts. This helps them discern what contributes to growth and
spreading of the virus in the bacteria, so they can better predict the
evolution of the virus in populations.
The primary duty of a virologist is to conduct research
pertaining to viruses.
Aside from their research, virologists perform other tasks depending on
their field and focus. They may spend their time in labs working on new
vaccines, or in the field searching for new treatments or responding to
viral outbreaks.
A virologist is a professional who studies the growth, development,
structure and characteristics of different viruses.
They isolate and make cultures of significant viruses in a
standard inhibitory medium, controlling certain factors, like, aeration,
moisture, temperature, and nutrition.
They identify different viruses via
microscopic examination of the morphological, physical and cultural
traits. They also observe the action of a
particular virus up on living tissues of plants and animals.
A virologist also makes chemical analyses of various substances, like
acids, enzymes, and alcohol released by viruses on organic matter.
A virologist has to study the growth and development of viruses and how
they interrelate with; and have an impact on human beings, plants,
animals and even dead organic matter.
ANZSCO ID: 234599
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- Clinical work ethic.
- Organised and professional manner.
- Practical ability.
- Able to work as part of a team, as an individual and be receptive of other peoples’ opinions.
- Be commanding in your opinion when dealing with other medical professionals in order to ensure any safety regulation against the spread of infections is upheld.
- Perform laboratory tasks and also treat patients face-to-face.
- Deal with administrative duties.
- An aptitude for the sciences and medicine.
- Theoretical and systematic approach.
- IT competent.
- Attention to detail.
- Understanding of the workings of a hospital environment.
(Source:
LiveScience: Corona Virus)
Duties and Tasks
An important duty of a virologist is to study different aspects of
viruses, such as what happens when they infect healthy vs. unhealthy
individuals or what may be causing them to spread. Research conducted by
virologists might lead to cures, discoveries of new strains or
identification of diseases plaguing animals or plants. Virologists can
also specialize in a subfield of virology, such as epidemiology.
Many virologists respond to emergency outbreaks around the world.
Like all scientists, another important duty of virologists is to publish
their research, discoveries and findings in scientific journals and
public papers. Additionally, virologists frequently present their
findings in scientific and public forums.
Most colleges and universities that employ virologists require them to
assist in teaching related classes at the undergraduate or graduate
level.
- Diagnose, treat and help to prevent the spread of infection.
- Perform medical tests in laboratory settings, and also perform duties dealing with patients face-to-face.
- Help to improve safety against the spread of infections in hospital settings, and also to prevent the spread of such diseases to the outside community.
- Supervise the running of laboratories, offering your tips and advice to other professionals as well as being receptive of their opinions.
- Help to prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV and other infections spread through blood.
- Also work to prevent the spread of airborne infections.
- Offer your opinion on what treatment is best for infectious conditions.
- Work alongside other pathologists.
Working conditions
Virologists are employed by medical schools, hospitals, laboratory
centers, medical research companies, governmental agencies,
pharmaceutical companies, laboratory testing companies, or cancer
treatment or research companies, depending upon the specialization.
Virologists usually supervise a team of researchers, especially in
university settings or in larger private lab facilities. Biological
technologists, technicians and lab assistants are among the common
scientific roles held by people managed by virologists. In larger labs,
the virologist spends more time planning, coordinating and supervising
the research process, as opposed to actively participating in it.
Coaching and training the research team on equipment use and proper
procedures is vital to research project success.
Once research projects are completed, the virologist assumes primary
responsibility for communicating results to his employer. Some
virologists work in bigger labs where a variety of health research is
conducted. His technical reports and presentations may go to other
researchers, lab administrators or government health agencies. At the
highest level, virology contributes to plans developed by the federal
Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, to control outbreaks of influenza
and other viral infections.
Many virologists work in hospitals or in large medical clinics. They
often collaborate with other medical staff who deal with individual
patient cases. Once a viral condition is identified by medical doctors,
virologists collect samples for study. Once research is completed, the
virologist must give an opinion regarding treatment and controlling an
outbreak. In extreme cases, the virologist may recommend a patient be
quarantined to prevent contamination of the hospital, staff and other
patients and visitors.
Such specialists would not only be concerned with infectious patients,
but would also need to keep track of food preparation, upholding hygiene
levels and sterilisation in clinical settings. Teaching can also later
become integral to each of these roles, whether to students or other
colleagues.
Education and training/entrance
requirements
Virology is a subdivision of Biology, so, you need an undergraduate
degree in Biology. You will also need to take Physics and Chemistry at
the university level.
A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology is qualified to
work at various research and technical positions, including veterinary
microbiologist, research assistant and food microbiologist. Laboratory
and clinical experience is decidedly important for a virologist, and
most virologists get this experience in graduate school.
With a Master of Science in Microbiology, you can hunt for positions as
a supervisor or laboratory manager, research associate or instructor on
the community college level.
A Doctoral Degree, Ph.D. in Microbiology is necessary for the uppermost
posts in this field, such as a professor at a college / university,
researcher, or a research director.
There are a host of opportunities available. You may reflect on what
aspect of virology you are interested in (i.e. research, public health
or medical doctor), since, each aspect needs different education and
training.
Employment
The employment opportunity for virologists looks good, more so,
with the appearance of new viruses everyday and the process of constant
research.
Virologists are employed in just about every industry; food, health,
agriculture, control, pollution, bio-technology, and pharmaceuticals.
They are also engaged in government agencies and laboratories, such as,
the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health,
water treatment facilities, and hospitals. What’s more, a virologist has
an option of having a career in research and education as well.
| Did You Know? Virologist Profile - Cameo  Name Dr Larissa Dirr Degrees Doctor Of Philosophy Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Australia1 Jan 2012 - 1 Jan 2015 Master Of Pharmacy University of California San Diego, USA - Saarland University, Germany (Dipl. Pharm. equivalent to MPharm)1 Jan 2010 - 1 Jan 2011 Bachelor of Pharmacy Saarland University, Germany1 Jan 2005 - 1 Jan 2009 Career Virologist Current Role Research scientist at the Institute for Glycomics on the Gold Coast Campus of Griffith University WHAT DO YOU WORK IN AND WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY? I work as research scientist at the Institute for Glycomics on the Gold Coast Campus of Griffith University. This is a research-based role, where I spent a lot of time with experimental design, lab work, analysis and writing. I also supervise a student, which I do really enjoy. My research is based on the human parainfluenza virus, a significant childhood pathogen that causes croup, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In particular, I am working in a drug discovery project to design and evaluate new anti-parainfluenza inhibitors. HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THIS AREA AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST START? Since I studied Pharmacy I have been always interested in drug discovery and design. In my Masters degree I have worked with marine bacteria, which produce natural products that are used as drugs. In my PhD I started to work with viruses that infect humans. It is a highly interesting research area, especially the field of glycovirology as several viruses attach to our human cells via carbohydrates that are expressed on the cell surface. WHAT STUDY PATH HAVE YOU TAKEN TO GET HERE? I am from Germany, where I studied Pharmacy as undergraduate and graduate degree. For my graduate degree I spend several months in San Diego, where I accomplished my lab work abroad. I have learnt a lot in this very exciting time, especially I learnt to conduct a research project, perform experiments and analyse results. At the end of my labwork I had to write a Master’s thesis. In my Master’s degree I realised how much I enjoy science and that I wanted to pursue a career in it and therefore I started my PhD at the Institute for Glycomics with Prof. Mark von Itzstein. I just recently finished my PhD in virology and glycobiology. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love that every day is different and has new challenges. It is very exciting that I can discover things that no one has ever seen before. I also enjoy working in a team, which is a very important factor to achieve goals in science. It is highly important to me that I can help to understand diseases and make a contribution to drug discovery and development, which hopeful will cure people one day. DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULAR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? So far my Phd thesis is my career highlight. Within my thesis I was part of a research group that discovered the most potent anti-parainfluenza virus inhibitor in vitro to date. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THIS AREA? If you think to go into science, I think it is important to work as a research experience student and gain some knowledge in how to work in a lab as early as possible. It will help you firstly to decide if a career in science is the right choice and you will also learn to develop crucial skills. (Source: Queensland STEM Educational Network) |
Related Jobs or Working
with these Jobs
Materials sourced from
CareerTrend [Virologist;
]
Resume Now [Virologist;
]
Work Chron [Virologist;
]
Docnet [Virologist;
]
BetterTeam [Virologist;
]
