Occupation
Biologist
Biologists study living organisms and the systems they belong to, from cells and genes up to whole populations. Much of the work is designing studies, running them carefully enough that someone else could repeat them, and writing up what the results actually support. Specialisms vary widely, so two biologists can have very little day-to-day overlap.
Also known as: Biological scientist · Life scientist · Life sciences researcher
Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
What the work involves
- Design experiments or field studies around a specific, testable question
- Prepare samples, run assays, and keep detailed records of conditions and deviations
- Analyse results with statistical software and check whether findings hold up
- Read current literature to place new results against existing work
- Write reports, papers, or grant applications and respond to reviewer feedback
- Follow biosafety, ethics, and specimen-handling protocols for the material in use
How people commonly enter
- An undergraduate degree in biology or a related life science is the most common starting point
- Postgraduate study is typical for roles that lead their own research rather than support it
- Technician or research-assistant work as an entry point, with study continued alongside
- Movement across from an adjacent science after a conversion or specialist qualification
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Typical work context
Lab or workshop · Team based · Quiet focus · Varied work · Desk based
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
These are preparation links only. They do not measure eligibility for this occupation and no score here qualifies or disqualifies anyone.
Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Natural sciences and research.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: biologist · International
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Life, physical, and social science occupations · United States
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- ESCO — occupations classification browser · European Union
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Natural sciences and research in Canada, not a figure for Biologist. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Natural sciences and research family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: education pathways
Some roles in Natural sciences and research may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)