Biological Scientist, Research Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $35.46 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $42.22 |
| Top | $51.15 |
Interest in synthesizing information to conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and to devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds; and to investigate chemical aspects of the mechanisms of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health
Interest in precision working with instruments to analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical and biochemical compounds
Interest in consulting in a particular field of technical expertise; and in developing and conducting programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates and final products; may supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Biochemistry is a multidisciplinary field that combines the areas of biology and chemistry. It may also involve disciplines such as physics, math, computing, genetics, and physiology.
Biochemists often work in interdisciplinary teams with physiologists, pharmacologists, plant biologists, microbiologists, chemists, agronomists, and other professionals.
In general, biochemists study the chemistry of biological molecules to better understand events and processes such as how:
Biochemists may specialize in areas such as:
Biochemists generally work in offices and labs. They may work onsite doing environmental or agricultural research, which can include livestock or plants. They may also work in industrial environments on product development. When experiments do not fit into a normal 8-hour workday, biochemists involved in research may work evenings and weekends. They must take health and safety precautions when working with chemicals, viruses, and other biohazards.
Biochemists need:
They should enjoy:
Most biochemists begin their post-secondary education by completing a bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree in biochemistry or a related science such as chemistry, biology, physics, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, or genetics. Economics and management courses are a definite asset for biochemists who wish to advance into management positions.
Increasing access to large data sets, obtained by genome sequencing and analysis using tools such as microarrays, is making familiarity with statistics and computer programming a significant asset. Individuals with these skills can more easily work in areas such as bioinformatics, genomics (study of genomes), proteomics (study of proteins), and metabolomics (study of metabolites). All of these are commonly used in academics, industry, and government.
Independent investigators who determine and define research programs must have a master’s or doctoral (PhD) degree in biochemistry. Regulatory officers in pharmaceutical industries also need several years of industry experience. To work in a hospital or private health-care lab or in some specialized health-care industries, PhD biochemists should take an additional 2- or 3-year post-doctoral course to become certified clinical chemists or clinical biochemists. For more information, visit the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC) website.
Biochemists whose work falls under the activities of the professional chemist should refer to the Chemist occupational profile.
All biochemists need to keep up with new developments and discoveries.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Biochemists are employed by:
Those who have a B.Sc. or master’s degree usually work as technicians or lab assistants under the supervision of senior biochemists. Some biochemistry graduates work in sales for biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. For more information, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile.
With an advanced degree, biochemists can move into supervisory positions. PhD biochemists usually must have 2 years of post-doctoral training to qualify for positions in post-secondary schools, industrial research labs, or governmental agencies.
Biochemists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2112: Chemists. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 1,900 Albertans are employed in the Chemists occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 21 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As biochemists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for biochemists.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the C012: Chemists occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 21 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $48.42 | $35.46 | $38.55 |
| Overall | $20.70 | $62.62 | $42.22 | $43.00 |
| Top | $30.48 | $76.92 | $51.15 | $51.44 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $89,285 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $83,174 |
Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA) website: www.pchem.ca
Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences website: csmb-scbm.ca
Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC) website: www.cscc.ca
Chemical Institute of Canada website: www.cheminst.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.