A microbiologist was a scientist who worked in the field of microbiology. Microbiologists studied organisms called microbes. Microbes could take the form of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. One of the microbiologist's main research aims was to find out how microbes affected the world around them.
- worked in the field of bacteriology and studied bacteria.
- worked in the field of environmental microbiology and studied microbial processes in the environment.
- worked in the food industry and studied pathogenic microorganisms that caused food-borne illness and spoilage.
- generally worked in biotechnology and studied microorganisms that produced useful products.
- were medical practitioners (physicians) who had chosen to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of microbial diseases in patients.
- worked in the field of mycology and studied fungi.
- worked in the field of protozoology and studied protists.
- worked in the field of virology and studied viruses.
- studied the role of microorganisms in health and illness.
- studied how the body defended itself against viruses, bacteria, and etc.