Depending on your area of interest in biotechnology, there are many biotechnology and life science post-secondary programs across Canada. For a listing of some of Canada’s post-secondary institutions please click here.
Future demand for a job in Canada’s bio-economy depends on many factors such as economics, social trends and the specific industry. The bio-economy covers the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of technologies and products in such areas as: Human Health, Agriculture, Food Processing, Natural Resources, Environment, Forestry, Nanobiotechnology, Genomics, Aquaculture, Bioinformatics, Bioenergy, Life Sciences, Biosciences, Pharmaceuticals, and Medical Devices. The outlook in these areas will vary.
- For an overview of the growth areas in the industry please see:
- For an idea of the types of jobs currently available in biotechnology in Canada, please visit the BioTalent Canada employment bank, the PetriDish, at www.petridish.ca.
- For a general outlook on the future demand for biotechnology jobs, please visit www.jobfutures.ca for the Government of Canada’s official outlook on specific occupations.
To see the diversity of skills required and possible careers in Canada’s bio-economy please see our :
If you have any further questions about biotechnology in Canada, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Congratulations on your immigration to Canada. In terms of what you need to know there are currently no established processes for the validation of biotechnology degrees from other countries. You will need to apply directly to Canadian biotechnology organizations. You can search for biotechnology employment opportunities on BioTalent Canada's PetriDish at www.petridish.ca. This is a free employment bank service used strictly for biotechnology opportunities in Canada and you can easily post your resume and search for jobs.
To help you assess if you are ready for a career in Canada’s bio-economy you can take one of our Essential Skills Readiness Modules now available online.
BioTalent Canada recommends that, before immigrating to Canada, you obtain copies of all your marks and diplomas as well as any content and information on the course/programs you have taken.
For immigration information we suggest you visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca.
Other websites you might find useful are:
5. What companies are looking for in a new hire.
The survey of 50 biotechnology companies went on to highlight the following preferences:
As they would with any survey, these responses represent a ‘snapshot’ in time. Biotechnology companies undergo progressive changes as they mature, and this has a definite impact on hiring needs.
As research discoveries move out of the lab and into the marketplace, biotechnology companies’ human resource needs evolve. The types of employees sought in the Research and Development phase of a product are different from those sought at the manufacturing and distribution phase.
The progressive growth of biotechnology companies means that job candidates with a solid understanding of science paired with skills in another area often have an important competitive advantage over other candidates. Expertise is sought in a wide variety of areas, such as business development, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, quality control, quality assurance, clinical trials, sales and marketing, strategic alliances, investor relations, etc...
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