Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists
Microbiologists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living micro-organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture.
Moderate
Market Demand
TEER 1
Skill Level
NL, SK, NS
Top Provinces
What They Do
- 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.
Qualifications
- checkA bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists.
- checkA master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology.
- checkPost-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.
- checkBiologists are regulated in Alberta and British Columbia.
Market Outlook by Province
Newfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Moderate for biologists and related scientists (NOC 21110) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.A Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in biology or a related field is typically the minimum educational requirement for work in this field, though a master's degree and/or five or more years of work experience are often preferred. A doctoral degree and/or post-doctoral experience is usually required to work as a research scientist or in an academic institution. Other employment requirements will vary depending on the area of specialization.Here are some key facts about biologists and related scientists in Newfoundland and Labrador: Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Biologists and related scientists mainly work in the following sectors: Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 43%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 22%Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 10%Universities (NAICS 6113): 7%Hospitals (NAICS 622): 5% 92% of biologists and related scientists work all year, while 8% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 48% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 52% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: n/a apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 30% compared to 14% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 64% compared to 7% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Saskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for biologists and related scientists (NOC 21110) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about biologists and related scientists in Saskatchewan: Approximately 750 people work in this occupation. Biologists and related scientists mainly work in the following sectors: Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 26%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 14%Universities (NAICS 6113): 13%Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 11%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 5% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 95% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 5% compared to 19% for all occupations73% of biologists and related scientists work all year, while 27% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of biologists and related scientists are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 49% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 51% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 38% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 57% compared to 7% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for biologists and related scientists (NOC 21110) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about biologists and related scientists in Nova Scotia: Approximately 1,000 people work in this occupation. Biologists and related scientists mainly work in the following sectors: Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 28%Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 20%Universities (NAICS 6113): 10%Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 5% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 90% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 10% compared to 18% for all occupations79% of biologists and related scientists work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.7% of biologists and related scientists are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 42% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 57% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 33% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 64% compared to 10% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 1 occupations typically require a university degree and qualify for Express Entry. These are high-priority for STEM and healthcare category draws.
Express Entry (FSW)
Provincial Nominee Programs
Category-Based Draws
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 21110 openings right now.
Syneos Health
3 active roles · Toronto, ON
Novo Nordisk
2 active roles · Mississauga, ON · Montreal, QC
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
2 active roles · Penticton, BC
University of Calgary
2 active roles · Calgary, AB
Tetra Tech
2 active roles · Nanaimo, BC · Vancouver, BC
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
1 active role · Toronto, ON
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