A Microbiologist investigates the growth and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Most microbiologists specialize in environmental, food, agricultural, or industrial microbiology; virology (the study of viruses); or immunology (the study of mechanisms that fight infections).

They often specialize in working with a single group of micro-organisms and are likely to work in a multi-disciplinary team with other scientists, including geneticists, biochemists, molecular biologists and chemical engineers.

Many microbiologists use biotechnology to advance their knowledge of cell reproduction and human disease.