Use Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Word or another writing program would be used to prepare technical documents and write reports. Excel is used to create spreadsheets, tables, and graphs, and for data analysis. PowerPoint is used to present results.
Database skills, inventory tracking, and the ability to use a Laboratory Information Management system are also common requirements.
Companies that manufacture substances regulated by the FDA must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Good Documentation Practices (GDP) are important in recording and managing data related to test results.
Know how to assess food safety by the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.
Be able to perform a variety of laboratory activites including measurement, calculations, preparing materials, and operating laboratory instruments and equipment. Understand how precipitation, dialysis, and centrifugation are used separate materials.
Be able to perform a variety of laboratory techniques such as material preparation, gel electrophoresis, protein purification, and culturing microorganisms.
Perform mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, ratios, and percentages. Must be able to use proportions, understand orders of magnitude, convert units, and use dimensional analysis.
Know how to culture, identify, and enumerate microbes. Microbiologists must be able to isolate and obtain pure cultures of bacteria and other microbes. They must also be able to identify sources of microbial contamination and know how to use sterilization and filtration to control microbial growth.
