Careers by Major - Biology

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.

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

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs

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

1a. Sample Occupations

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

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

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

2. Program-Related Skills

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.

3. Explore Careers & Build Networks

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:

4. Get Experience

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

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

Internships, Summer, Part Time and Volunteer Positions

Check out our binders with detailed information on internships and volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
Login to Career Learning Network (CLN) and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to UofT students
Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
Consider taking an academic internship course through your department
Check out Government of Ontario - Job Programs for Youth
Review our Internships, Summer Employment Programs and Summer Job Search tip sheets

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

5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

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

Attend a one-on-one appointment with a career counsellor or an employment strategist to discuss what career options might work for you and determine a job search plan.
Meet with an academic or departmental advisor, who can guide you in achieving academic success. Contact the Office of the Registrar or your department for more information.

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