21110 – Biologists and related scientists
TEER 1Occupations usually requiring a university degree
Lead statement
Biologists 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.
Main duties
- Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and of 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
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, 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, pharmaceuticals and nanoparticles used in biomedical applications
- Conduct molecular or biochemical studies and experiments in genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology to develop new or alternative methods of producing products
- Conduct research in biotechnology to discover, develop and refine, and evaluate new products
- May participate in the commercialization of new products
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
- May conduct biostatistical data analysis using computer modelling techniques.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists.
- A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology.
- Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.
- Biologists are regulated in Alberta and British Columbia.
Example job titles
animal nutritionist · marine biologist · biologist · botanist · ecologist · herpetologist · mycologist · park naturalist · zoologist · marine hydrobiologist · ecobiologist · food research scientist · marine mammal trainer · bacteriologist · geneticist · immunologist · microbiologist · molecular biologist · molecular geneticist · toxicologist · pharmacologist
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $25.71 | $40.00 | $66.67 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $22.00 | $40.00 | $54.40 |
| Nova Scotia | $24.62 | $37.50 | $51.06 |
| New Brunswick | $23.84 | $41.00 | $59.00 |
| Quebec | $24.50 | $38.46 | $54.12 |
| Ontario | $24.50 | $40.00 | $69.23 |
| Manitoba | $25.52 | $37.00 | $57.69 |
| Saskatchewan | $28.22 | $42.85 | $61.71 |
| Alberta | $26.44 | $41.44 | $88.19 |
| British Columbia | $28.85 | $42.00 | $60.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.