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
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Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
A visual day in the work
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
Entry-route stepper
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
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Lab or workshop
- Team based
- Quiet focus
- Varied work
- Desk based
Lab or workshop · Team based · Quiet focus · Varied work · Desk based
Related interests
- Investigative (analytical)
- Realistic (hands-on)
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
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Related learning
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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
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