Virologists are healthcare scientists that specialize in the study of viral infections such as rubella, herpes, hepatitis, and HIV. They focus on the identification and characterization of viruses that cause infection. They may also be involved in the screening of select populations that are at risk of infection from specific viral diseases.

Successful virologists are able to collaborate with other medical staff in order to perform their duties effectively.

Career Roles & Responsibilities

• Collecting samples for study.
• Employing highly specialized serological and molecular techniques in order to study viruses.
• Identifying different viruses and their properties, through microscopic examination.
• Observing the effect viruses have on organic matter by studying the impact of the viral infection on living tissues of humans and animals.
• Performing chemical analyses on substances released by viruses when they interact with organic matter, such as acids, enzymes, and alcohol secretions.
• Determining how viral diseases like HIV, SARS, and hepatitis spread through populations.
• Assisting in vaccine development.
• Writing up technical reports and creating presentations for the communication of research results to interested parties.
• Assisting institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in preventing and controlling outbreaks of viral infections.
• Providing professional opinions and advice on treatment plans and the way to control outbreaks.

Career Education Path Summary

• 7

  University of Notre Dame

• 8

  Vanderbilt University

• Show more schools…

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

$30000

$40000

$50000

$60000

$70000

$80000

$90000

$100000

$110000

• Biological science teachers, postsecondary

• Biomedical engineers

• Biological technicians

• Biological scientists, all other

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to Become a Virologist: Education, Training & Salary

Oct 20, 2021

Show Me Schools

View 10 Popular Schools  »

Should I Become a Virologist?

Virologists study viruses that affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi, and plants in community, clinical, agricultural, and natural environments. Virologists typically work in research or teaching, and many split their time between these two activities. Virologists may also work as science writers or pursue additional training to work in pharmaceutical business or law. Researchers may be employed by universities, government agencies, or health organizations. Some virologists work in industry research and develop new medications.

Medical doctors focusing on virology may carry out clinical research or work with patients afflicted with viruses. Virology researchers work under a broad range of issues including viral pathology, viral oncology, emerging viruses, virotherapy, viral replication, virus-cell interactions, and plant virology.

Because virologists work with infectious microorganisms, there is a small risk of illness, but preventative measures minimize that risk. Virologists work in office and laboratory settings, though a few may take samples in the field. Virologists, like other microbiologists, work on a full-time basis and usually collaborate with other scientists.

Career Requirements

Sources: American Society for Virology, Virology doctoral and postdoctoral programs, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ONet Online

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Virology is not typically offered as a bachelor's degree major. Because a strong science background is essential, most aspiring virologists major in biology, chemistry, or a related science as undergraduates. Coursework that includes organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physics, mathematics, English, humanities, and social science can prepare students for graduate degree programs in virology.

Success Tips:

• Gain experience working in a lab environment. Though students will likely have the opportunity to work in the lab during their degree program, they should also pursue any available research opportunities. Many schools have resources that match students up with potential internships. Students can also search job boards and other online resources for openings.
• Work closely with mentors. Undergraduate students may want to gain research experience and form strong relationships with their research mentors, since letters of recommendation are commonly required for admission to graduate school.
• Develop interpersonal and communication skills. Virologists typically work on research teams in their doctoral programs as well as in their professional careers. Aspiring virologists can benefit by polishing these skills as undergraduates through writing and speech classes.
• Take time to research graduate schools before applying. It's important for students to review numerous virology graduate training options to find programs with professors and coursework that match with their research interests. For example, someone interested in cancer virology would probably not want to apply to a program with faculty who primarily study viruses affecting agricultural crops.

Step 2: Take Graduate School Entrance Exams

Medical schools require applicants to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Virology Ph.D. programs may require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Success Tip:

• Take a GRE subject exam. Virology graduate program admissions committees may favor individuals who complete a relevant subject test in chemistry, biology, or molecular biology.

Step 3: Complete Doctoral or Medical Training

In general, Ph.D. programs in virology, immunology, or a relevant field take 4-6 years to complete and are very research oriented. During the first year, students usually take science courses such as cell biology, virology, bacteria structure, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics, immunology and cancer biology, as well as complete lab rotations. Laboratory work and research for the dissertation become intensive in the second year. Qualifying exams and teaching experience are typically required in the second or third year, and the rest of the time is devoted to researching and writing the dissertation. Possible research areas include environmental virology, parasitology, pediatric viral infections, HIV vaccination development, and cancer suppression techniques.

For those taking the medical school route, their first two years are focused on coursework and lab work covering topics like anatomy, pharmacology, and biochemistry. The last two years are characterized by clinical rotations throughout major medical departments including pediatrics, surgery, and family medicine.

Success Tip:

• Take advantage of career services. Doctoral programs may coordinate virology career workshops and career fairs. They may also provide career advising services to help students figure out their career paths.
• Obtain a dual M.D./Ph.D. Dual Ph.D. and M.D. degree programs may interject Ph.D. work in the middle of the typical course of medical school. After the first two years of medical and science classes, dual-degree students may spend several years taking academic virology courses and performing research before completing medical school clinical work.

Step 4: Complete Postdoctoral Research Training

Graduates from medical school must complete additional residency requirements that usually last three years. Aspiring virologists often complete their residencies in pediatrics or internal medicine.

Individuals who want to work in virology research are typically required to complete an additional 3-5 years of postdoctoral research training, often called a fellowship, after graduating from Ph.D. programs or completing their medical residencies. In addition to carrying out research in their area of interest, postdoctoral students attend research retreats, seminars, and symposiums to learn additional skills to succeed as researchers, such as teaching and presentation skills. Fellows are typically required to participate in a journal club to share research findings. They may also elect additional graduate courses in virology topics or take a grant writing course.

Step 5: Earn a Medical License

Virologists with M.D. degrees must be licensed in order to work as clinical virologists. After completing medical school and residency requirements, they must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) tests. States may have additional requirements. The license must be renewed periodically, requiring continuing education and professional development activities.

Step 6: Continue Education

Virology is an ever-expanding field with new developments that can cause drastic changes. Therefore, it is essential to remain apprised of advances in research. Organizations such as the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology (PASCV) and the American Society for Virology (ASV) are good organizations to look into regarding seminars, symposiums, and networking opportunities.

Next: View Schools