Biologists and Related Scientists (NOC 2121)
Description
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. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical and bio-technical companies and health and educational institutions.
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Example Titles
- anatomist
- bacteriologist
- biologist
- botanist
- cell biologist
- ecologist
- embryologist
- geneticist
- histologist
- immunologist
- marine biologist
- microbiologist
- molecular biologist
- parasitologist
- pharmacologist
- physiologist
- protozoologist
- toxicologist
- virologist
- zoologist
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Classified Elsewhere
- Biochemists (in 2112 Chemists)
- Specialists in laboratory medicine (in 3111 Specialist Physicians)
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Duties
Biologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Plan and conduct studies of the environment, 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.
Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, bio technology 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 and pharmaceuticals
- Conduct molecular or biochemical studies and experiments into genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology
- Conduct research 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.
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Skills
- Biology professionals require technical skills related to research and/or application of science.
- the ability to theorize, plan and conduct experiments,
- patience and an interest in the nature of life,
- be objective and able to concentrate on details,
- be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing,
- computer skills in analyzing data,
- analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills,
- be able to work independently or as part of a team.
- Scientists are required to stay up-to-date on environmental regulations and legislation and on technological changes. In business, skills in budgeting, marketing, and project management may be required.
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Employment Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required.
- A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist.
- Post-doctoral research experience is usually required for employment in academic departments or research institutions.
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Terms & Conditions
Biologists and related scientists work in offices, laboratories, and occasionally outdoors in all weather conditions. Most work normal business hours, but some may work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or complete experiments. Microbiologists who work in laboratories may be exposed to disease-transmitting bacteria and must adhere to strict safety procedures that could include wearing protective clothing and respirators. Nearly all work full-time (91%). Self-employment in this occupation is rare (6%).
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Earnings
$30,600 per annum - starting
$56,000 per annum - average
$93,800 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- The University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, and the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface offer degree programs in Biology. Brandon University offers degree programs in botany and zoology.
- Red River College and the University of Winnipeg offer a 4-year Joint Diploma/Degree program in Applied Biology.
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Career Paths
Mobility between specializations in biology is possible, but usually at a junior level.
Some scientists with post-graduate degrees become university professors.
Experienced scientists may advance to managerial positions in research centres, government, or private firms.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for biologists and related scientists are expected to be good in the period 2010-2014. Government and government funded agencies are the most significant employers of biologists, and it is anticipated that environmental and public health concerns will stimulate continued investment in this area over the forecast period. The number of biologists and related scientists working in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 745.
Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical research, development, production, and health research should continue to be the growth leaders, stimulating increased demand for qualified biologists. The biopharmaceutical manufacturing activity is centred around four major companies: Cangene Corporation, Apotex Fermentation, Biovail Corporation (Steinbach) and Vita Health. Initiatives such as the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in the University of Manitoba Smart Park enables researchers from different disciplines to work together with industry partners to develop and produce functional foods and nutraceuticals. Researchers at the centre partner with other organizations, including the National Centre for Agri-Food Research in Medicine at the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre,and the Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie on research and development projects.
To further health research, the Manitoba Centre for Protemics was established at the John Buhler Research Centre (located at the University of Manitoba Health Science Centre Campus), a business incubation facility was established at the National Research Centre's Institute for Biodiagnostics, and the I. H. Asper Clinical Research Institute was established at the St. Boniface General Hospital. A significant concentration of activity in infectious disease identification and management is located at the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health (virology lab). This facility is Canada's only Level 4 microbiology lab for human health, and is the home of the International Centre for Infectious Diseases and the headquarters for the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Agriculture and agri-food biotechnology is a relatively smaller but growing field in Manitoba. A strong agricultural production and research base make Manitoba an ideal location for field evaluations in cereal grains and oil seed research. At the University of Manitoba's main campus, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Cereal Research Centre, the U of M Faculty of Agriculture, and the Monsanto Crop Development Centre bring together expertise in the development of new varieties of and uses for crops. Current research expertise at the university also focuses on sustainable cropping and animal production systems; value-added processing, and post-harvest technology, particularly as it relates to grain storage.
A proportionally larger share of jobs for biologists and related scientists are located in Winnipeg. They are employed in Public Administration (47%), followed by Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (25%), Health Care and Social Assistance (8%) and Educational Services (5%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
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