You will collaborate with many other scientists. Depending on your specific situation, you may perform more than one function or role. Microbiologists can specialize in a variety of areas. Following is a description of many subspecialty areas in the microbiological sciences. Bacteriologist study how bacteria infect humans, animals and plants, reproduce and cause disease.
Biochemist study how organisms derive energy, use nutrients and reproduce.
Microbial physiologist and biochemist study life processes of microbes and how organisms use nutrients and divide. Mycologist study fungi, molds and yeast to discover how they infect living matter, reproduce and cause disease. Parasitologist study parasitic organisms to find out how they infect living hosts, reproduce and cause disease. Virologist study viruses or pieces of genetic material that are only active inside living cells. Depending on your experience and education, there are a number of options and opportunities to choose from in your career as a microbiologist.