Crossword Genius

Perform with hesitation, disturbing one scientist or another (14)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bacteriologist

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'disturbing one scientist or another' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'perform with hesitation' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'perform' could be 'act' (acting is a kind of performing) and 'act' is found within the answer.
'hesitation' could be 'er' (sound made while hesitating - um, er) and 'er' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'biologist' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bacteriologist that I've seen before include "Expert on some microorganisms" , "Germ expert" , "One studying harmful micro-organisms" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.