About the job
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. Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things. Molecular biologists study life at the molecular level, which is the foundation for biotechnology. Botanists study plants and their environment. Zoologists study animals: their origin, behaviour, diseases, and life processes. Marine biologists study plants and animals living in water, specifically saltwater organisms. Ecologists study the relationships among organisms and between organisms and their environments, and the effects of influences such as population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- biologist
- botanist
- ecologist
- food scientist
- geneticist
- immunologist
- marine biologist
- naturalist
- pharmacologist
- toxicologist
To work in this field, you must be comfortable working with instruments, apparatus, and chemicals. You should be observant of details, enjoy research, and have good judgement for scientific and administrative decision-making. The ability to communicate and cooperate with others is important, as scientists often work in teams. Basic computer and mathematical skills are necessary. You must have physical stamina to do field research in remote areas.
- 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.
Diversification of Nova Scotia's economy may provide some job opportunities for biologists with skills appropriate for use in the pharmaceutical and health sciences industries. People in these jobs generally work regular hours in offices and laboratories, although some conduct fieldwork and on-site studies.
Labour Market Information
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Biologists and Related Scientists most commonly work full-time hours. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 63% of Biologists and Related Scientists who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $74,455. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Occupation | Estimated employment in 2018 | Estimated change in employment between 2017 and 2019 | Estimated openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019 | Estimated rate of unemployment in 2018 | Estimated hourly earnings in 2015 (learn more) | Estimated annual earnings in 2015 |
Biologists and Related Scientists | 575 | Strong growth | 70 | Low | Minimum: $15.38 Median: $34.77 Maximum: $50.26 | Minimum: $7,175 Median: $54,727 Maximum: $99,967 |
Occupations in Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology | 25,875 | Strong growth | 3,095 | Low | Minimum: $17.69 Median: $31.35 Maximum: $47.18 | Minimum: $13,568 Median: $60,422 Maximum: $107,009 |
Biologists and Related Scientists | Compared to: Occupations in Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology | |
Percent employed full-time | 88% | 94% |
Percent self-employed | 9% | 7% |
Area of Employment | Biologists and Related Scientists | Compared to: All NS Occupations | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Southern | 4% | x | 12% | $30,581 |
Northern | 9% | x | 16% | $33,660 |
Cape Breton | 4% | x | 13% | $32,974 |
Halifax | 65% | $52,580 | 47% | $41,209 |
Annapolis Valley | 19% | x | 13% | $32,958 |

Age | Biologists and Related Scientists | Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology |
% Employed | % Employed | |
15-24 | 4% | x |
25-34 | 25% | 14% |
35-44 | 39% | 33% |
45-54 | 23% | 32% |
55-64 | 9% | 18% |
65+ | N/A | 4% |
Median Age | 41 | 43 |

Gender | Biologists and Related Scientists | Compared to: Occupations in Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology |
% Employed | % Employed | |
Female | 52% | 20% |
Male | 48% | 80% |
Education | Biologists and Related Scientists | Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Less than high school | N/A | x | 0.7% | $28,107 |
High school | 5.9% | x | 12.1% | $35,125 |
Trades certificate | N/A | x | 6.8% | $54,923 |
College certificate or diploma | 1.5% | x | 33.7% | $52,476 |
University certificate or diploma | N/A | x | 3.7% | $52,446 |
Bachelor's degree | 33.3% | $64,080 | 29.7% | $58,011 |
University advanced certificate or diploma | 1.5% | x | 2.0% | $54,917 |
Master's degree | N/A | $56,786 | 9.7% | $37,706 |
Doctorate | 39.3% | $84,998 | 1.7% | $65,565 |
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry | 20.0% | x | 0.1% | $57,566 |
Total | 100% | 100% |
Hourly earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.
Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.
Employment Requirements & Contacts
Training Paths & Education
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