Career Information for Biochemistry & Biotechnology Majors

It is important to understand that employers hire people, not degrees. The skills and knowledge you develop as a result of your education, as well as in your work and community activities, have the greatest impact on hiring decisions. Listed below are some key skills and knowledge you will acquire as a result of your university education and your focus on Biochemistry or Biotechnology.

Specific Knowledge Skills
Valuable Transerable Skills 
Some Career Options in Biochemistry/Biotechnology 
Potential Employers
Websites
Job Posting Sites


Specific Knowledge Skills

  • Knowledge of the structure and biological function of the molecules in living organisms and the relationship to medical/environmental concerns and health/safety protocols
  • The skills and knowledge to contribute to the discovery of solutions and the creation of products to manage scientific/environmental problems that are of concern to society, medicine or industry
  • An awareness of how to manipulate and alter genetic information in animals and plants to improve them in some way that benefits people and the environment
  • Skills in testing materials and products to determine potential concerns, reactions and interactions
  • Ability to make critical observations of environmental and chemical interactions
  • Awareness of and sensitivity to the health and safety of products, materials and the environment
  • An understanding of reactions and interactions of chemicals and chemical products and the ability to use this knowledge to locate and explain potential reactions and hazards
  • Skills in conducting research, data collection and analysis using laboratory/field techniques
  • The ability to gather, assess, evaluate, interpret and then communicate technical and scientific data
  • An understanding of the scientific process and the ability to formulate and test hypotheses/ideas


Valuable Transferrable Skills

Information-gathering and Communication Skills

  • The skills required to identify and access a wide range of relevant information and resources
  • The ability to compile and organize facts and information and to comprehend and apply new and/or unfamiliar information to different situations and settings
  • Skills in preparing interesting, creative and informative presentations which target diverse audiences
  • The ability to develop effective reports, presentations and materials using current technology

Thinking, Planning and Organizational Skills

  • The ability to learn, understand and interpret information and apply knowledge to new situations
  • The ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and effectively plan/manage time, data and resources
  • Problem-solving skills and the ability to make well-reasoned decisions, think creatively and search for, identify and consider all sides of an issue
  • Skills to effectively analyze and interpret a wide range of information and data to discuss, support and/or reject ideas, opinions, reports, theories and proposals

Teamwork and Management Skills

  • Skills enabling you to work effectively as part of a team by identifying your role and contributing, through leading, teaching, motivating and/or encouraging others, to the objectives of the team
  • An understanding of how to successfully identify, plan and contribute to the goals of a team/project
  • The ability to oversee, supervise and/or contribute to a project from beginning to end including determining outcomes, planning details, making decisions, assigning roles and completing tasks

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Some Career Options for Biochemistry/Biotechnology Majors

(Additional education, training or experience may be required)

Biochemist
Pathologist
Food and Beverage Inspector
Biotechnologist
Forensic Lab Analyst
Immunologist
Epidemiology Researcher
Biophysicist
Public Health Educator
Pharmacologist
Natural Resources Manager
Geneticist
Biomedical Engineer
Entomologist
Laboratory Technician
Naturopath
Soil Tester
Microbiologist
Health Policy Consultant
Toxicologist
Cytologist
Ecologist
Crop/Agricultural Scientist
Veterinarian
Food and Beverage Inspector
Biostatistician
Industrial Health Engineer
Environmental Impact Assessor
Environmental Consultant
Chemical Safety Engineer
Occupational Health/Safety Officer
Quality Assurance Manager
Crime Scene Analyst
Drug Trial Assistant/Researcher
Forensic Scientist
Hazardous Waste Expert
Instrument Calibration Technician
Medical Illustrator
Fabric/Textile Designer
Biologist
Health Compliance Officer
Colour Analyst
Consumer Protection Researcher
X-Ray Technician
Building/Site Inspector
Fisheries/Marine Biologist
Forester/Park Ranger
Special Effects Developer
Environmental Cleanup Consultant
Industrial Hygenist
Horticulturist/Florist
Brewmaster
Professor/Teacher
Technical/Science Writer
Biotechnology Investment Analyst
Landscaper
Farm Manager/Farmer
Medical Librarian
Greenhouse Manager
Pest Control Consultant
Technical Sales Representative
Dentist/Hygienist
Water QualityAnalyst/ Technician
Health Care Administrator
Chiropractor
Film Developer/Tester
Medical Professional
Health Spa/Resort Operator
Materials Production Tester
Nutritionist/Dietitian
Physiologist
 Pharmologist

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Potential Employers

Research Institutions
Testing Laboratories
Biotechnology Companies
Hospitals/Clinics
Medicine/Health Organizations
Environmental Organizations
Science Journals
Food/Beverage Manufacturers
Alternative Health Companies
Wellness Centres
Food/Drug Consulting Firms
Botanical Gardens
Agriculture Agencies
Pharmaceutical Industry
Health Consulting Firms
Museums
Government
Law/Drug Enforcement

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Websites 

BioTalent Canada

 Job Posting Sites

 

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