Overview
Research Scientists in Biology
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Biologists
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.
Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists
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.
Biologists and related scientists may specialize at the macroscopic level, in fields such as botany, zoology, ecology and marine biology or, at the cellular and molecular level, in fields such as genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, pathology, bacteriology, virology, biotechnology and bioinformatics.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$55,268
$83,424
$110,287
Job openings
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British Columbia
973expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
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.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Research scientists in biology in B.C.
- Registration with the College of Applied Biologists - Research Scientists
Registration with the College of Applied Biologists - Research Scientists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a research scientist in biology in B.C., you may choose to register with the College of Applied Biologists. Eligibility is achieved through completion of a recognized program and training courses.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.