2121 Biologists and Related Scientists

Biologists and related scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. Common Job Titles Bacteriologist Biologist Ecologist Immunologist Microbiologist Toxicologist Typical Employers hospitals federal and provincial governments medical laboratories universities pharmaceutical companies environmental consulting companies service firms to agriculture

Selected Main Duties

Biologists perform some or all of the following duties: Plan and conduct studies of the environment and the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals; Conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports; Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens; Conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding; Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources; Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.

Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists perform some or all of the following duties: Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and algae; Conduct research into the structure and functioning of human, animal and plant tissues and cells; Conduct studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins; Conduct clinical or laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs and pharmaceuticals;

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Conduct molecular or biochemical studies and experiments into genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology; Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.

Biologists and related scientists generally work regular hours in offices and laboratories. Some spend time outdoors conducting research on biological samples. The potential of working with dangerous organisms or toxic substances in the laboratory pose some potential personal dangers.

Education/Training
A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists. A master's or doctorate degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology. Postdoctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions. Biologists and related scientists may specialize in botany, zoology, ecology, and marine biology, or at the cellular and molecular level in fields such as genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, pathology, bacteriology and virology.

Employment Prospect
Over the next five years: Average Opportunities for employment in this occupation are expected to be average over the period from 2009 to 2013. The public sector is the largest employer of biologists. Typically, demand for biologists is related to environmental research and monitoring. The biotechnology and health sectors, however, will become a growing source of new employment opportunities. The employment of these professionals is closely related to investment in research and development. However, in an economic downturn, less money is allocated for research and development which could limit the extension or renewal of existing projects.

There is a shift toward interdisciplinary programs, combining systems engineering with microbiology and other scientific specialties. Computer-based competencies such as bioinformatics and molecular modelling are also becoming more important as companies and researchers deal with the integration of traditional and information sciences. Graduates with a masters or doctoral degree, as well as individuals with strong project management skills, will have the best prospects.

Characteristics of Occupation
Estimated Employment in 2006 5,230

General Characteristics Male Female Full-Time Part-Time

(%) 50 50 91 7

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Self Employed Employees Unemployment Rate Main Industries of Employment Public Administration Other Professional Services Health Care and Social Assistance Professional Business Services Educational Services All Other Industries

6 94 3 (%) 33 20 15 7 6 19 (%) This Occupation 23 3 2 37 11 9 6 3 1 4 2 (%) All Occupations 10 3 3 45 10 11 5 5 2 4 2

Employment by Economic Region Ottawa Kingston Pembroke Muskoka Kawarthas Toronto Kitchener - Waterloo Barrie Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula London Windsor Sarnia Stratford - Bruce Peninsula Northeast Northwest

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Income

Annual Average Employment Income of Persons Employed Full-Time Full-Year in 2005

$80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 This Occupation All Occupations $65,125 $56,033

Additional Information Sources

Additional information about this occupation can be obtained from the following web sites: BIOTECanada (www.biotech.ca) ECO Canada (www.eco.ca) BioTalent Canada (www.biotalent.ca) The Biotechnology Initiative (www.ontbi.org) Canadian College of Microbiologists (www.ccm.ca) Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists (www.cseb-scbe.org)

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