Research Scientist
Advance human knowledge - Canada's research universities and government labs offer world-class opportunities.
Research Scientist Salary in Canada
Research Scientists in Canada earn about $60,000 at entry level and around $140,000 in senior roles.
- Entry level: $60,000
- Senior level: $140,000
Government research scientists (NRC, NSERC) and industry researchers earn more than academic positions.
About the Career
Research careers are competitive - Job Bank rates prospects for biologists and related scientists limited to very limited in several provinces, and federal science budgets are tightening. Biotech and pharma offer more openings than academia.
Job Outlook
Competitive demand. Research careers are competitive - Job Bank rates prospects for biologists and related scientists limited to very limited in several provinces, and federal science budgets are tightening. Biotech and pharma offer more openings than academia.
How to Get There
- BSc + MSc + PhD (typically 10-12 years post-Grade 12 for independent researcher)
- Time to career: 10-12 years post-Grade 12
Degrees That Lead Here
- Biology – mid to high 80s at most schools
- Chemistry – high 80s
- Physics – high 80s
- Biochemistry – high 80s
Key Skills
- Experimental Design
- Data Analysis
- Scientific Writing & Publishing
- Grant Writing
- Lab Techniques
Typical Employers
- Universities & research institutes
- Government labs (NRC, NSERC-funded)
- Biotech & pharma
- Industry R&D
- Hospitals & clinical research
High School Roadmap
- Enter science fair competitions. Join science club. Ask a teacher to let you do independent experiments.
- Enter CWSF and regional science fairs. Shadow a researcher if possible.
- Enter CWSF seriously - it is noticed by top Canadian universities.
- Apply to strong BSc programs. Look for undergrad research opportunities in first year.
Top Universities for This Path
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Waterloo – Waterloo, ON
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
Insider Tips
- Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is directly noticed by admission committees at top Canadian science programs.
- Undergraduate research experience (NSERC USRA funding is available) is essential for grad school applications.
- The National Research Council (NRC) is Canada's federal research organisation - a major employer of research scientists.