Biologists and Related Scientists NOC -Demand

Overview

Biologists plan and conduct studies of the environment and of the population, distribution, structure, functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals. They conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports. They study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens. They conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding, and prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources.

They may supervise biological technologists, technicians and other scientists.

• Plan and conduct ecological and environmental studies of ecosystems and study population structure, distribution, function 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, technicians and other scientists as applicable.
• For microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists: conduct research into structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoans, algae); study the structure and functioning of human, animal and plant tissues and cells; study 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.
• Perform molecular or biochemical studies and experiments in gene expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology to develop new or alternative methods of producing products.
• Engage in biotechnology research to discover, develop, refine and evaluate new products; may participate in commercialization; may supervise biological technologists, technicians and other scientists.
• May conduct biostatistical data analysis using computer modelling techniques.
• Specialize at either the macroscopic level (botany, zoology, ecology, marine biology) or the cellular/molecular level (genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, pathology, bacteriology, virology, biotechnology, bioinformatics).

• A bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline is required for biologists.
• A master’s or doctoral degree in biology or related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology.
• Post-doctoral research experience is usually required for employment in academic departments or research institutions.
• Biologists are regulated in Alberta and British Columbia.

• Full-time permanent position; 40 hours per week.
• Salary: $36.00 – $53.85 per hour.
• Required years of experience: 2 to 3 years.