Heads the Laboratory of Thermophilic Microbial Communities in Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow since 1996.

Main research interests are connected with studying the metabolic and phylogenetic diversity of thermophilic prokaryotes and their role in different thermal ecosystems. Mostly interested in microorganisms with novel types of anaerobic respiration.

Participated or was an organizer of multiple expeditions to terrestrial and submarine volcanic habitats and to Siberian oil fields.

Together with her colleagues have isolated many novel taxa of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic bacteria and archaea.
Participates in development of radioisotopic tracing methods as an instrument for detection and accurate assays of in situ microbial activities in thermal habitats.

Member of the Board of ISEB (International Symosium of Environmental Biogeochemistry).
ASM Morrison Rogosa Award of 2004.