Careers by Major - Biology

 

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This program is offered through the Department of Biology

Each Careers by Major page provides lots of ideas on various career areas, as well as how to gain related skills and experience. Useful resources and job samples are also provided.

Table of Contents 

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
         1a. Sample Occupations
         1b. Sample Job Listings
         1c. Sample Areas of Employment
2. Program-Related Skills
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
4. Get Experience
         4a. On-Campus
         4b. Off-Campus
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps 

 

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1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
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Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.

1a. Sample Occupations

 
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Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupations require further education and 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
  • Medical Transcriptionist
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Marine Biologist

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
  • Geneticist
  • Biologist

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

1b. Sample Job Listings

 
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Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on UofT's Career Learning Network (CLN). To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs

  • Medical Editor, Kendle INC Research
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Impres Pharma Inc.
  • Animal Care Attendant/Custodian, St. Clair Veterinary Facilities
  • Ambulatory Care Clinics Volunteer, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Toronto
  • Public Relations Manager, The Healing Cycle Foundation
  • Bioinformatics/Genome Research, Department of Biology, UTM
  • Health Records Technician, Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre
  • Aquaculture Research Technician, Aquabiotech
  • Coordinator, Planning Ecology, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
  • Research Technologist, SickKids
  • Lab Technician in Neurology, Toronto General Hospital
  • Invasive Species Community Outreach Liaison, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
  • Sleep Technician Trainee, Sleep Disorders Clinic Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology
  • Clinical Assistant, Unionville Family Wellness Centre
  • Data Analyst, Acumed Medical Ltd.

1c. Sample Areas of Employment

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  • 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

 

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2. Program-Related Skills
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Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. Make a career counselling or an employment strategy appointment to discuss how you can demonstrate these skills to employers.

  • Communication and interpersonal: write scientific reports; present research findings; interact professionally with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, technicians, students and professors; and literacy writing.
  • Research: collect and preserve field organisms; dissect preserved or euthanized specimen; inspect specimens; and analyze and evaluate information.
  • Technical: use specialized computer programs; perform laboratory procedures; maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation; and comply with quality control procedures.
  • Quantitative: analyze data for trends and apply statistical tests to data.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving: analyze and logically interpret trends and results.

 

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3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
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Career Exploration 101

Take our 15 minute online module. Gain access to UTM's career exploration programs:

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company, or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.

Alumni Profiles

Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.

Events

Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what's coming up.

Talk to Professors

Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.

Student Organizations

Join a student club or an academic society at UTM to meet like-minded people, explore your interests, and make valuable connections. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website. Some organizations you may consider are:

  • Erindale Biology Society
  • Biotech Investment Club
  • Pre-Medical Club
  • Health Out Loud at UTM
  • Global Brigades
  • World Wildlife Foundation at UTM

LinkedIn

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in various fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions and more. Need help? Come to the Career Centre to book a LinkedIn profile critique.

Professional Associations

There are many benefits of becoming a member of association(s), such as developing a network of contacts, learning about industry trends, accessing industry-related job postings and stating your affiliation on your resume. Some associations related to this major are:

 

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4. Get Experience
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Get some experience and exposure to the industry while being a student. This will increase your chances of finding a job after graduation, while helping you decide what area might be most suitable for you.

4a. On-Campus

 
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On-Campus Opportunities Booklet

Check out the On-Campus Opportunities booklet to view a list of some of the ways you can get valuable experience on campus.

Work Study Positions

The work study program provides eligible students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain experience. Many departments use this program to hire UTM students during the Fall/Winter and Summer terms.

Research Opportunity Program (ROP)

UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience and earn a course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Courses are held during Summer and Fall/Winter terms.

Part Time and Volunteer Positions

  • Attend the annual Get Experience Fair 
  • Check out our binder with detailed information on volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
  • Learn about the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), which can help you find opportunities beyond the classroom and have your skills and experiences captured on an official document

Student Organizations

Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website.

4b. Off-Campus

 
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Internships, Summer, Part Time and Volunteer Positions 

Full Time Positions

  • Networking is an essential element of job search today, as most jobs are not advertised. While you should still apply for positions you find online, building relationships with professionals is a proven way to access the 'hidden job market' with some of the most desirable opportunities. Attend the 'Learn to Network' workshop to discover proven techniques to effectively introduce yourself and make contacts.
  • Login to CLN and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to graduating students and recent UofT grads. Note: You must attend the "Now That I'm Graduating, What's Next?" workshop to gain access to these postings.
  • Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
  • Check out our list of industry-specific job boards

 

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5. Useful Resources & Next Steps
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Career Resource Library

The Career Resource Library contains information about a wide range of occupations in all industries, resume and cover letter resources, effective work search methods, graduate/professional school preparation guides and more.

Appointments

Career Planning by Year

Visit our Career Planning by Year page for ideas of important career related activities for each year. You can visit us in the Career Centre to find out more about career areas that interest you.

Additional Web Resources


Updated August 2023