Microbiologist

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• manage a team of microbiologists and technicians
• move into commercial research and development
• teach at university
• offer consultancy services

In the NHS, you could progress to specialist, team manager and consultant.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of biology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths knowledge
• science skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent written communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Microbiologists study living organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae, which are all core topics in biology. Understanding cell structure, genetics, immune responses, and how organisms grow and reproduce is essential for tasks like identifying infections, developing vaccines, and investigating how microbes produce antibodies.
• Chemistry - Microbiologists use chemistry every day when preparing culture media, staining samples, and analysing the biochemical processes of microorganisms. Understanding chemical reactions, molecular structures, and laboratory techniques like sterilisation and pH control is fundamental to working safely and accurately in the lab.
• Mathematics - Microbiologists use maths to analyse data from experiments, calculate bacterial growth rates, and interpret statistical results. Quantitative skills are also important when measuring concentrations, diluting samples, and modelling how infections spread through populations.
• Environmental Science - Microbiologists play a key role in environmental work, such as using microorganisms to control pollution, clean wastewater, and develop biofuels. Understanding ecosystems, nutrient cycles, and how microbes interact with soils, water, and the atmosphere is directly relevant to this growing area of the career.

Also relevant

• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Microbiologists check the safety of manufactured food by testing for harmful bacteria and other contaminants. Understanding food hygiene, how microorganisms cause spoilage, and the conditions that affect food safety connects closely to this part of the role.
• Physics - Microbiologists use equipment like electron microscopes, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers that rely on principles of optics, forces, and electromagnetic radiation. A grounding in physics helps them understand how these instruments work and interpret the results they produce.
• Computer Science - Microbiologists increasingly use bioinformatics tools and computational methods to analyse large genetic datasets, such as sequencing microbial genomes or tracking mutations during disease outbreaks. Understanding algorithms and data processing helps them work with these specialist software systems.
• English Language - Microbiologists write detailed research papers, lab reports, and safety assessments that must be clear and precise. They also need strong communication skills to explain their findings to colleagues, healthcare professionals, and sometimes the wider public.