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Microbiologist

Microbiologists study organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae to make advances in environmental science, medicine and agriculture.

Potential salary
£23,000 starter to £45,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
38 to 40 a week. Working pattern: between 8am and 6pm flexibly.
Career area
Science and laboratory work
Where they might work
You could work at a university or in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.
A typical task
test patient samples to identify infections and monitor outbreaks
Subjects that may help
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route
To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research, Health and laboratory science

Career actions

What you might do

  • test patient samples to identify infections and monitor outbreaks
  • develop new medical treatments using microbiology techniques
  • investigate how microorganisms make antibodies, vaccines and hormones
  • assess the impact of microbes in foods, crops and soils
  • check the safety of manufactured food or medicines
  • use microorganisms to control pollution and develop biofuels
More tasks (3)
  • research how to generate hydrogen fuel using algae and bacteria
  • investigate ways to clean wastewater
  • develop microorganisms that can capture greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • 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
More skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Routes into this career

University route

  • To become a microbiologist, you could do a degree in:
  • microbiology
  • biology
  • life sciences
  • biological science
  • Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiol or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
  • If you want to work in the NHS as a microbiologist, you could apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP) after your degree.
  • You'll train on the job, get paid a salary and receive a master's degree at the end.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Biotechnology

    Alternative route. Microbiology content varies. Check the modules if that is the job you want.

  • Microbiology

    Direct qualifying route. A usual degree route. Research posts may need postgraduate study.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You may be able to become a microbiologist by doing an apprenticeship, for example:
  • Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Research Scientist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
  • These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • apprenticeship levels
  • guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
  • With experience, you could:
  • manage a team of microbiologists and technicians
  • move into commercial research and development
  • work in astrobiology on experiments to detect organic molecules in space
  • teach at university
  • provide consultancy services
  • In the NHS, you could progress to specialist, team manager and consultant.

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

What you could do next