Microbiologist
18AI EXPOSURE TODAY18
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST63%
NOT A FORECAST63%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£22,000 - £27,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES →
Microbiologist
Microbiologists play a crucial role in understanding the microscopic world that affects our health, environment, and food safety. With their expertise, they contribute to groundbreaking research and innovations that can combat diseases, improve agricultural practices, and ensure public health globally.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior MicrobiologistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in laboratory experiments, perform routine analyses, and support senior microbiologists in research projects. You will gain hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and techniques.£22,000 - £27,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level MicrobiologistAs a mid-level microbiologist, you will lead research projects, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the development of new methodologies. Your role will involve more complex analyses and greater responsibility in project management.£30,000 - £38,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Microbiologist/Head of MicrobiologyIn a senior role, you will oversee research teams, drive strategic initiatives, and represent your organisation in scientific forums. You will be responsible for securing funding and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.£42,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,500 median
🎓Human Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,500 median
🎓Biochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£28,000 median
🎓Biomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,500 median
All Biological Sciences courses as cards →
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Biological Sciences with Spanish for ScienceImperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine · DegreeHuman Sciences and EvolutionUniversity College London · DegreeBiochemistryThe University of Leeds · DegreeBiochemistry and PharmacologyUniversity of Strathclyde · DegreeHuman BiologyQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeBiomedical Sciences with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · Degree