Virologist (Viroloog)

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A virologist is a scientist who specializes in studying viruses and their specific properties, called virology in science. Viruses come in many different forms, so a virologist has to deal with different fields within his or her work, such as microbiology, botany and biology. What exactly a virologist does in terms of work depends on the chosen specialization. In general, a virologist will conduct scientific research within a laboratory. In addition, a virologist can apply these research results in practice by doing even more research into viruses. For example, a virologist can be affiliated with a health organization and be deployed to prevent certain public health risks, such as a virus infection. A virologist can also carry out research into the origin of viruses, the fight against viruses, the prevention of viruses, the spread of viruses and research into diseases caused by a virus. The work of a virologist is important, because it is virologists who study various viruses to prevent infectious diseases. Virologists generally work within a laboratory with modern and complex equipment to investigate viruses. As a virologist, you can therefore work in different ways. For example, a virologist may be responsible for researching useful applications within biotechnology. In addition, a virologist can carry out research within veterinary and medical microbiology. In that case, a virologist can usually be regarded as a veterinarian or doctor-microbiologist. Virological research is important in several ways and can involve different specialists. It is not the case that only doctors specialize in virology. Virology also plays an important role within the food industry.

A virologist is therefore specialized in the science of virology. In short, the work of a virologist can best be described as conducting research into viruses that can infect humans, animals and plants. Viruses can be spread in different ways, such as through the air, through saliva particles, through body fluids, through insects or through physical contact. Viruses specialize in penetrating cells and building their genes there, which in some cases can be harmful. A virus can never reproduce itself, because this can only be done by a host. A virus attaches itself to a cell, injecting its own genetic material into it or merging with the existing cell. As described earlier, it is not the case that only doctors can specialize in virology. Consider, for example, chemists who work as pharmacologists. Obviously, the work of a virologist can be regarded as highly specialized work.

MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

Medical microbiology is important for humanity with regard to fighting infectious diseases. Virologists are fully engaged in the investigation of infectious diseases. Virologists therefore try to understand and recognize viruses so that measures can be taken. By conducting a lot of research, various medicines have been invented that can combat diseases and viruses. However, there are many diseases and viruses that are unknown to virologists and can still have serious consequences for humanity. Also, new viruses are still being added or discovered, which often resemble existing, already known viruses, but still have different properties. Medical microbiology covers not only viruses but also bacteria, parasites and fungi. When people visit a hospital with an infectious disease, in most cases it is very important to quickly perform a diagnostic examination to determine exactly which treatment should be applied. A doctor who conducts research into infectious diseases is called a doctor-microbiologist.

WHAT DOES A VIROLOGIST DO:

TRAINING TO BECOME A VIROLOGIST

Anyone who aspires to a career as a virologist will have to follow the university bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences with a master's degree in virology. These courses will take about five years to complete. Within the study biomedical sciences, the subjects biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are important. As described earlier, virologists can work in different ways in practice. In other words, another study may also apply, depending on the specific profession. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.

COMPANIES WHERE A VIROLOGIST CAN WORK

A virologist can work for various research institutions and companies, such as hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry and the food industry. In addition, you can work as a virologist for health organizations. As described earlier, a virologist can also work as a doctor, veterinarian or as a biotechnologist.

COMPETENCES VIROLOGIST

A virologist is first and foremost a scientist who must have research skills. Also from a communicative point of view, a virologist will have to be well-versed because in most cases a virologist will work a lot with other colleagues. In addition, innovation plays an important role in virology. Technical knowledge is also important as a virologist, because you usually work in modern laboratories. Generally important words are professional knowledge, further training, development, control, monitoring, performance, independence and critical thinking. Obviously, a virologist has to deal with fixed professional competences that are learned during the study.

LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A VIROLOGIST

The labour market perspective of a virologist is good, partly because it is a heavy education and there are not many virologists. In addition, as a virologist you can work in different fields and getting a job will not be a problem at all. As a virologist, there are plenty of career opportunities, partly because you are university educated and a management position is possible. In addition, it is conceivable that a virologist will sooner or later obtain a PhD as a scientist.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY VIROLOGIST

There are no specific employment conditions for this profession because you can work for different types of companies in different industries. The salary as a virologist can be quite different but in general the salary of a virologist will be between 3000 and 6000 euros gross per month depending on age and specific responsibilities.

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