Immunology is a prevalent medical course. It is a popular biomedical science branch that studies the organism’s immune system in disease and health. The role of an immunologist is to manage the physiological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the various immune system components. Immunology has several applications in different medical disciplines.
These include organ transplantation, virology, parasitology, oncology, dermatology, psychiatry, and bacteriology.
Training to work in immunology
You at least need a Bachelor of Science degree to work in this field. However, if you aspire to be a microbiologist or a biological scientist, you must study further and acquire a doctoral degree. You can also select from different graduate and undergraduate immunology programs.
You can avail of general education in the natural sciences as part of your undergraduate education.
After this, you will have to opt for a specialization where you focus on specific topics – molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, virology, biochemistry, and biology.
Alongside, you can take some Immunology courses online to get in-depth knowledge on your areas of study. TangoLearn has some of the best class suggestions to help you find the most suitable session that matches your requirements.
Laboratories, too, have a vital role in imparting methods to study immunological defense mechanisms.
After this, you can opt for advanced doctoral programs, wherein you partake in ongoing and real research. Federal grants and universities sponsor your research. You will have to prepare a research thesis to culminate the program.
Some medical schools are affiliated with a nearby medical center, and research projects are based on the center’s medical specialties like asthma, immunology, tumor, or AIDS. These Ph.D. programs are meant for students who wish to pursue a research-oriented career.
Career options for an Immunologist
Depending on the knowledge, information, skill, and background, an immunologist can pursue various career options. A few of them are:
Microbiologist
A microbiologist performs experiments and research on tiny organisms like parasites, algae, bacteria, and viruses. Their scope of work revolves around solving challenges like curtailing the transmission of dangerous algae. They also help accentuate scientific knowledge by performing and designing scientific experiments, studying the impact of microorganisms on living beings in their natural habitat, examining the laboratory conclusions, discussing their finding at conferences, and writing scientific research papers.
If a microbiologist earns an immunology-centered degree, they will study and assess the impact of the various microorganisms on animal and human immune systems. The average annual salary of a microbiologist is $67,826.
Research scientists
It is one of the hottest fields for immunology doctorate holders. Immunologists who perform scientific research on the immune system help find new treatments and findings for persistent illnesses.
Further, research scientists also work in the labs to test and study the cell, genes, and chemical interactions to comprehend what’s needed for the immune system’s proper functioning.
Food technologist
As a food technologist, you modify, test, and regulate the production of different beverages and food products. You will also have to assist the companies in ensuring that their food items meet all the federal and local food regulations, such as nutrition and safety, without compromising on the taste.
Some companies hire an in-house food technologist, but most work in regulatory roles in the government or as consultants. On average, a food technologist receives annual compensation of around $42,653.
Pediatricians and physicians
It is one of the most prevalent branches for immunologists. Also known as paediatric allergists, paediatric immunologists help cure problems associated with immune system allergies and malfunctions. They also specialize in treatments for children and work in university medical centres, community hospitals, kid’s hospitals, and private offices.
Beyond acquiring specialization in immunology, paediatricians and physicians must also possess a medical degree with several years of training.
Professor
As you may know, the role of the professor is that of an educator. They will teach at an academic institution imparting higher education, mainly at a university or a college. The professor’s work scope and responsibilities depend on different factors like a contract with the institution and academic discipline.
The immunology or microbiology professors perform scientific experiments and research and offer lectures for some classes. Some microbiology professors may also focus on performing duties like teaching, meeting students during office hours, and grading papers and assignments.
On average, an immunologist professor commands an annual compensation of $54,405.
Environmental scientist
An environmental scientist studies various challenges or situations associated with the natural sciences like human health, ecology, climate change, and pollution. Their work revolves around positively influencing human health and environmental issues, like the diseases originating from poor water quality.
At times, some may also be employed by the public sector to develop regulations that help reduce the dangerous impact of humans on the environment. Many scientists also work in the private sector and assist companies in devising ways to protect the environment while performing their business, like using sustainable chemicals for product development.
On average, an environmental scientist commands an annual compensation of $61,873.
Regulatory specialist
A regulatory specialist assists the organizations in ensuring that their protocols, products, procedures, and services adhere to the federal and local standards. They also focus on regulations for specific industries like medical devices, technology, environment, food, and beverage. Their responsibilities may vary depending on whether they work in the public or private sector.
But, generally, a regulatory specialist has to stay updated with the newest industry regulations and developments, present their conclusions to regulatory agencies, and offer recommendations to companies on bettering compliance.
On average, a regulatory specialist commands an annual compensation of $75,628.
