Scientists and researchers across the world are working round the clock to fight the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which originated in the city of Wuhan in late 2019. The new strain of coronavirus has affected more than one million people globally.
While HIV dominated the headlines until a few years ago, currently people are more interested in influenza and other viruses like Ebola, Zika, SARS and SARS-CoV-2, the latest in the list. Recurrent cases of severe viral outbreaks with the latest one, COVID-19 going on right now, has put the emphasis on Virology.
What is Virology?
Virology is a branch of biology that deals with the study of viruses and viral diseases, from different perspectives such as physiology, molecular biology, epidemiology, ecology, evolution, etc. Virology is all about understanding viruses, the most diverse forms of life in the world.
Viruses have different routes of infection, ranging from insect bites to human behaviors. Scientists and researchers committed to studying these submicroscopic particles also vary in the way they are interested in the subject.
Virology has become one of the most important disciplines of biology that allowed scientists to not only find a cure but use them for pharmaceutical purposes, given its medical and veterinary significance.
Virologists
A person dealing with the study of viruses affecting insects, bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, and humans is known as a Virologist. Their job encompasses the identification of viruses, studying the growth and development of viruses, their ecological interactions, and their impact on other organisms. They also play an important role in public health by understanding the epidemiology of a viral outbreak which aids in making sound health policies.
How to become a virologist?
- At high school (10+2) level, you should have studied Biology, Physics, and chemistry. You could study Microbiology (along with Physics and Chemistry as Pass papers) at the undergraduate level. You could also pursue Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology or MBBS at the Bachelor’s level.
- Masters in Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Virology or Immunology can be pursued at the post-graduation level.
- For uppermost posts in the field, like a researcher, research director or a professor at a college/university, a doctoral degree, Ph.D. in Microbiology is desired.
Skills required to become a Virologist
- An inquisitive and analytical mind to interpret accurately a range of different tests and their results, and take a critical view on all investigations.
- Understanding of viruses, their transmission biology, evolution, epidemiology, and diagnostics.
- Molecular Biology skills like PCR, Assay Development, Cell Culture, handling laboratory equipment and tools, which may include: sterilizing equipment, analyzing equipment, infrared spectrometers, air samplers or collectors.
- IT and Software Skills are also a must for advancement in career as a virologist.
Career Opportunities
Positions for virologists are available in both government and private sectors. It is one of the most in-demand and secured job prospects. Those interested in research might also get a scope in such a position under the hottest research areas such as the study of emerging viruses like COVID 19, Ebola, Sin Nombre, and SARS and also Viral pathogenesis – to study how virus cause diseases.
Virologists may be hired by:
- agricultural research companies/centers to study plant viruses and their pathogenesis,
- hospitals,
- government/private laboratory centers,
- medical research centers,
- medical colleges,
- pharmaceutical/diagnostic companies,
- cancer/medical research companies.
The organization, job prospects, and job designation depend on the specific expertise and years of experience.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be a 10-20% increase in demand for virologists by 2022, but keeping in view the 2020 pandemic situation the percentage will definitely increase.
With a huge 27% increase in jobs for statisticians by 2022, Virologists who are well trained in statistics also should see excellent job demand.
With the emergence of new viruses every day and the requirement of research in the field, the job opportunities for virologists seems to increase with time.
Most of the work in this field is in the area of research and the hottest areas of research in virology include the study of emerging viruses like SARS, Ebola, Sin Nombre, viral pathogenesis, plant virology, etc. Virologists can have a quite good starting salary also in the field of public health.
Variable openings available in this field include (based on expertise and experience):
- Laboratory Technician
- Technical Assistant
- Research Fellow
- Research Associate
- Project Assistant
- Project Administrator / Manager
- Project Scientist B/C
- Scientific Officer
- Lecturer/ Professor
- Epidemiologists
- Statisticians
- Viral pathologist
- Plant virologist
- Scientific writers
- Public health professionals
- Environmental Scientists
If you put all the above points together, Virology is very challenging, exciting rewarding career path, something anyone interested in public health and research should consider.