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Biologists and Related Scientists  (NOC 2121)
Montréal Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

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 biotechnical companies and health and educational institutions.

anatomist, bacteriologist, bioinformatician, 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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Biologists perform some or all of the following 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.
Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • 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 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.

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 and virology.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Montréal, L'Île-Bizard

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Biologists and Related Scientists in Montréal Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Biologists and Related Scientists in Montréal Region as well as in the rest of the Québec.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Montréal Region Fair 2012-11-19

For 2012 -2014, the employment outlook in the Montréal region is expected to be Good for this occupation.

Over half of the job openings will result from the creation of many new positions, while just under half will result from retirements.

The pool of work ready claimants in this occupational group is small.

This occupation requires a university degree. Studies at the Master's or doctoral level are an increasingly important asset. The findings of the Relance survey by the Department of Education show a low placement rate and a high unemployment rate for those with only a Bachelor's degree. Most go on to do a Master's degree or doctorate.

In recent years, the number of biologists and related scientists has risen sharply. Given the growth in research and development in areas related to biology (biodiversity, human genome, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biotechnology, pharmacology and so on), the number of biologists and related scientists should continue to increase over the 2012 -2014 forecast horizon.

According to 2006 census data, workers in this occupational group were employed mainly in professional, scientific and technical services; health care and social assistance; public administration; chemical manufacturing; and educational services.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Local Labour Market News

Week of May 06 – May 10, 2013

Week of Apr 29 – May 03, 2013

Week of Apr 22 – Apr 26, 2013

Week of Apr 15 – Apr 19, 2013

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Québec and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.