Life Sciences
Environmental Scientist
Studies the natural environment and human impact on it, collecting data on air, water, soil, and ecosystems to inform policy or projects.
Field BasedResearch HeavyStem
Life Sciences
Microbiologist
Studies microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and how they affect health, food, agriculture, or the environment.
Also known as: Clinical Microbiologist
Compare with another careerWhat you do
Cultures and examines microorganisms under controlled lab conditions, identifies pathogens, tests for contamination, and studies how microbes interact with hosts or environments. Works in settings ranging from clinical diagnostics labs to food safety testing to environmental monitoring.
Typical work environment
A laboratory setting requiring strict safety protocols, often within a hospital diagnostics lab, food/pharma quality lab, or research institute.
Typical entry point
Junior microbiologist or lab technician in a diagnostic, food safety, or research lab
Relevant subjects
Core
Biology
Also relevant
Chemistry
Relevant interests
Core
BiologyResearch
Also relevant
Healthcare
Useful skills
Research· IntermediateAnalytical thinking· IntermediateProblem solving· Intermediate
These are useful, relevant skills to build over time — not a checklist you need to already have.
Common education routes
Bachelor's degree—MicrobiologyPrimary route
Master's degree—MicrobiologyCommon route
These are common routes in, not the only path — and not a university or course recommendation.
Career characteristics
High job securityHigh social impactResearch-intensiveDeep technical specialisation
General tendencies for this career, not a guarantee — actual roles vary by employer and location.
Industries
HealthcarePharmaResearch
Tags
STEMTechnicalResearch-heavy
Related careers
Life Sciences
Biotechnologist
Uses living organisms and biological processes to develop products and technologies in medicine, agriculture, or industry.
TechnicalResearch HeavyStem
Life Sciences
Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
Conducts laboratory research into biological systems, genes, or disease mechanisms, aiming to expand scientific understanding or develop new applications.
Research HeavyStemAnalytical
This page describes the career itself — it isn't a personalised match for you. See how well it matches your own Student Digital Profile at /recommendations, or compare it against another career.