Careers by Major - Biology

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Careers for graduates

There are many different career options available for Biology graduates.  Below is a sample of types of positions available to graduates. 

The careers listed below have been organized into two sections.  The first section lists positions applicable to all biology graduates.  The second section is a list of positions organized by program of study (Comparative Physiology, Molecular Biology etc.).  Careers that appear under a particular biology program (ie. Comparative Physiology) are still applicable to all biology students.  However, programs such as Comparative Physiology have academic requirements (mandatory courses) that result in students being greater prepared for certain career areas. 

Note: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.

  • Biological Technician*
  • Health Records Professional*
  • Technical Sales Representative*
  • Environmental Educator
  • Toxicologist*
  • Hydrometric Technologist
  • Regulatory / Government Affairs Specialist
  • Veterinary Technician*
  • Teacher/Professor*
  • Compliance Promotion Specialist
  • Paramedic*
  • Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
  • Entomologist
  • Chiropractor*
  • Optometrist*
  • Pharmacologist*
  • Massage Therapist*
  • Science Magazine Editor/ Writer
  • Entrepreneur*
  • Research Associate
  • Clinical Research Coordinator Assistant
  • Curator*
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Zoologist*
  • Informationist
  • Community Health Worker

Comparative Physiology

  • Physiotherapist*
  • Ornithologist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer*
  • Recreation Director*
  • Audiologist*

Molecular Biology

  • Cytotechnologist*
  • Bacteriologist
  • Forensic Laboratory Analyst
  • Microbiologist*
  • Medical Geneticist

Ecology & Evolution

  • Environmental Health Officer*
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Restoration Biologist
  • Conservation Officer*
  • Agronomist*
  • Biochemist*
  • Radiation Therapist*
  • Technical Writer*
  • Doctor*
  • Quality Controller*
  • Food Science Technologist / Food Scientist*
  • Research Technician
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Medical Illustrator*
  • Aquaculture Technician
  • Occupational Therapist*
  • Public Relations Specialist*
  • Patient Services Coordinator
  • Botanist*
  • Biostatistician
  • Speech-language pathologist*
  • Genetic Counsellor*
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Medical Librarian
  • Herbarium Technician
  • Dietician*
  • Biotechnologist*
  • Ecologist*
  • Facilities Manager/Supervisor
  • Validation Specialist
  • Epidemiologist*

Biotechnology

  • Quality Assurance Auditor
  • Pharmaceutical Financial Analyst
  • Product Marketing Manager
  • Health Care Administrator*
  • Business Development Research Analyst

Bioinformatics               

  • Operations Research Analyst*
  • Bioinformatics Programmer
  • Bioinformatics Specialist*
  • Logistics Specialist*
  • Computer Scientist*
  • Web Developer*
  • Business Systems Analyst*

Note: career profiles for many of the above jobs are available in the Career Centre. Those marked with an asterisk(*) can be viewed using Career Cruising, a Canadian electronic career guide available through your Career Centre Online account.

Who employs graduates from this program?

  • Manufacturing and processing companies
  • Government agencies
  • Engineering firms
  • Industrial inspection firms
  • Scientific research and development companies
  • Non-profit agencies
  • Conservation authorities
  • Law firms
  • Zoos, aquariums, national/ provincial parks
  • Hospitals and medical centres
  • Environment and pollution control
  • Self-employed/freelance
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Academic medical centres/laboratories
  • Consumer health libraries
  • Consulting firms
  • Universities and colleges
  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Publishing companies
  • Boards of Education

Skills developed by students in this program

Communication and Interpersonal:

  • write literature reviews and scientific reports; summarize, condense and organize ideas and information; interact professionally with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, technicians, students and professors; adapt vocabulary to suite a wide variety of audiences including the general public and senior scientists; use various visual aids including overhead projectors, computers and posters to conduct oral presentations on research findings; create graphs to visually represent data; read and understand scientific journals

Research:

  • collect and preserve field organisms; dissect preserved or euthanized specimens; memorize large amounts of information; inspect specimens; conduct journal research; analyze and evaluate information

Technical:

  • use computer programs; perform laboratory procedures; trouble shoot laboratory equipment; maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation; comply with quality control procedures; comply with safety regulations

Quantitative:

  • observe and make measurements on organisms; analyze data for trends; apply statistical tests to data to test for significance

Thinking Critically and Problem Solving:

  • interpret trends from results; reason logically

Organizational:

  • manage time effectively; manage multiple priorities during peak times during the academic year

Sample job listings for graduating students/recent graduates

Below is a sample of the types of positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre for graduating students or recent graduates. To access full-time opportunities (for up to two years after graduation), you must first attend an orientation. Drop by or call us at 905-828-5451 for more information.

  • Aquaculture Research Technician, Aquabiotech
  • Tissue Coordinator, Trillium Gift of Life Network
  • Credentials Assessor, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario
  • Software Developer, Epsilon
  • Technical Consultant, Research Development Consulting
  • Laboratory Research Technician, Clinical Genomics Centre
  • Scientific Art Review Editor, Imagineeringart.com
  • Customer Service / Data Analysis, Bio Basic Inc.
  • Sleep Technician Trainee, Sleep Disorders Clinic Centre for Sleep & Chronobiology
  • Instructor, Outreach Education Programs, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
  • Health Records Technician, Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre
  • Coordinator, Planning Ecology, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Impres Pharma Inc.
  • Client Care Specialist, Credit Valley Animal Centre
  • Research Technologist, Hospital for Sick Children
  • Quality Assurance Coordinator, Iovate Health Sciences International Inc.
  • Healthcare Consultant, Cirrus Consulting Group
  • Lab Technician in Neurology, Toronto General Hospital
  • Medical Editor, Kendle Toronto Inc.
  • Clinical Assistant, Unionville Family Wellness Centre
  • Indexing Assistant, MediaCorp Canada Inc.
  • Project Engineer/Scientist, S2S Environmental Inc.
  • Program Evaluator and Research Assistant, Abrigo Centre

Don't forget about U of T Mississauga alumni!

Check out our Alumni Profiles page, to read profiles of UTM alumni who have studied in this area, find out about their career path and how their experiences have affected their career direction.

How to get experience

Start early by seeking relevant summer, part-time and volunteer opportunities that will help you gain experience and develop the skills that employers want.  Below is a sample of the types of temporary positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre. To access the summer, part-time, temporary and volunteer postings, register with the Career Centre Online.

Summer Positions

  • Dental Receptionist, Midi Dental
  • Lab Technician, Crosslink Technology Inc.
  • Community Engagement Assistant, Peel HIV/AIDS Network
  • Web Designer, BetterU – Next36 Venture
  • Summer Student, Regulatory Affairs, Ecolab
  • Invasive Species Community Outreach Liaison, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
  • Horticultural Position, Bleecker Street Co-operative Homes Inc.
  • Student Library Assistant, Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers
  • Undergraduate Biochemical Research, UTM Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences

Part-Time Positions

  • Animal Care Attendant / Custodian, St. Clair Veterinary Facilities
  • Research Assistant – Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Baycrest
  • High School Tutor math and/or science, A Muse Tutoring Service
  • Technical Research Assistant, A.U.G. Signals Ltd.
  • Data Analyst, Acumed Medical Supplies Ltd.
  • Polysomnographic Technologist, Appleton Clinic and Sleep Centre
  • Tissue Coordinator, Trillium Gift of Life Network
  • Medical Admin Assistant to OT Company, Occupational Mindset
  • Professional Fundraiser, Public Outreach

Work Study Positions

Previous postings have included:

  • Faculty Curriculum Assistant, UTM Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences
  • Basic Procedures in Molecular Biology, UTM Department of Biology
  • utmONE Evaluation Support, UTM Office of the Dean
  • Programs and Initiatives Coordinator, UTM Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre
  • Analysis of Meta-Analyses in Ecology/Evolution, UTM Department of Biology
  • Web Site Coordinator & Data Manager, UTM Environmental Affairs Office
  • Bioinformatics/Genome Research, UTM Department of Biology
  • Food Bank Coordinator – UTMSU, UTM Student Affairs & Services
  • Laboratory Technician – Physiology, UTM Department of Biology

Extern Job Shadowing Program

Extern is a career exploration program that offers you the opportunity to meet with people working in your preferred career area for placements of 1-5 days.

Samples of previous Extern placements include:

  • Biomarker Research and Development Associate, Ontario Cancer Biomarker Network
  • Scientific and Medical Writing, Script Medical Writing Inc.
  • Animal Behaviourist, Toronto Zoo
  • Charge Technologist, Cytology & Clinical Coordinator, Mount Sinai Hospital
  • Librarian, U of T – Gerstein Science Information Centre
  • Consulting Pharmaceutical/ Biotech, NARS Consulting Inc.
  • Software Development Programmer, Social Game Universe
  • Environmental Biologist, York University

Volunteer Positions

  • Lab Assistant, Adaptations Public Research and Innovations Lab
  • Infection Control Administrative Volunteer, Toronto Grace Health Centre
  • Clinical Research Volunteer, Hospital for Sick Children
  • Researcher/Writer, Earth Reform Inc.
  • Rehabilitation Program Volunteer, Toronto Grace Health Centre
  • Science Club Facilitator, Visions of Science – Network for Learning
  • Ambulatory Care Clinics Volunteer, St. Joseph’s Health Centre
  • Public Relations Manager, The Healing Cycle Foundation
  • Computer Teaching Assistant, The Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto
  • Communication Facilitator, March of Dimes Canada
  • Software Developer Volunteer, Chernobyl Foundation

Research Opportunity Program (ROP) at UTM

UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows students in their second and third year to earn one full course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Check the ROP website for information about the program including application deadlines.

Other ways to get involved

UTM Clubs and Community Associations: Join on-campus clubs and community associations that demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for particular industries.  The following links are on-campus clubs that may be of interest.  Several of the clubs are listed because many biology careers are a collaboration of multiple disciplines.  These “non-biology” clubs may in fact hold events that strongly relate to the interests of biology students.

Professional Associations:

Each industry has affiliated associations. There are many benefits of becoming a member of an association, such as stating your affiliation on your resume.  In addition to your experiences and the completion of your university degree, a student membership in an association is one way to get an edge in the job market.  It also furthers your knowledge of a particular field.

Canadian Society of Zoologists (CSZ)

“CSZ is a professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of education and research in zoology at the provincial, federal and international level.  Membership is open to all persons interested in zoology - Students, Researchers, and Educators.  Click on Careers for information on zoology careers.”

The Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists (CSEB)

CSEB “is a non-profit registered society, whose primary focus is to further the conservation and prudent management of Canada's natural resources based on sound ecological principles.  Members are professionally-trained biologists and biology students, from the wide range of environmental biology disciplines.”

Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST)

“CIFST is the national association for food industry professionals. Its membership is comprised of scientists and technologists in industry, government and academia who are committed to advancing food science and technology.  The goals of CIFST are to be a major voice on scientific issues and public policy relating to the Canadian food industry; and to promote the professional development and careers of CIFST members.”

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)

“CSMLS is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada's medical laboratory professionals. Their members practice in hospital laboratories, private medical laboratories, public health laboratories, government laboratories, research and educational institutions.  Their purpose is to promote and maintain a nationally accepted standard of medical laboratory technology and to promote, maintain and protect the professional identity and interests of the medical laboratory technologist and of the profession.”

Canadian Botanical Association (CBA)

“CBA serves as the national organization for botanists in Canada, including professional botanists at universities, colleges, schools, government and industry, as well as interested students, technicians and amateurs.  Click on Careers to view jobs related to plant biology.”

Canadian Society for Molecular BioSciences (CSMB)

CSMB works “to foster research and education in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Genetics in Canada.  The association is comprised of three classes of members: Students/Post-doctoral fellows, Regular and Emeritus.”

BIOTECanada

“BIOTECanada serves as the national voice for industry leadership for Canada’s biotechnology sector.  It is the national industry-funded association with over 250 member companies representing the broad spectrum of biotech constituents including emerging and established firms in the health, industrial, and agricultural sectors, as well as academic and research institutions and other related organizations.  Click on Students & Educators to find information on careers in the biotechnology industry.”

Resources

Career Centre Library Resources:

  • Career Cruising
  • Biology Job Market Analysis
  • Career Opportunities in Health Care
  • Clinical Laboratory Science Careers
  • Vault Career Guide to Biotech
  • The Eco Guide to Careers that Make a Difference
  • Resource Guide to Careers in Toxicology
  • Great Jobs for Biology Majors
  • Careers for Scientific Types & Others with Inquiring Minds
  • Outdoor Careers: Exploring Occupations in Outdoor Fields
  • Careers for Nature Lovers & Other Outdoor Types
  • Careers for Animal Lovers and Other Zoological Types

Career Centre Library Panel Packages:

  • Career Panel for Biology (2011)
  • Networking Night: Environment & Geography (2010)
  • Biochemistry: The Chemistry of Life (2009)
  • The Amazing World of Physiology (2008)
  • Pharmaceutical and Related Careers: Tap into a Booming Industry that Saves Lives! (2008)
  • Beyond the Stethoscope: Careers in Health Care (2006)
  • Careers in Biology (2005)

Web Links:

The Career Centre Resource Library is located in DV 3094. For more information please visit us, call 905-828-5451 or e-mail: careers.utm@utoronto.ca

What's your next step? Take a look at our Sample Career Plan to see suggested steps that you can take towards developing your career-work search plan. Check our Events Calendar regularly for upcoming career related events (we offer several networking events and panels throughout the year). Watch for our Get Experience Fair (held annually in September), the Graduate and Professional School Fair (held annually in late September or early October), and the Summer Job Fair (held annually in January).