NOC 21110Biologists and related scientists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

NOC 21110 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Biologists and related scientists. It is classified TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

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Definition

Biologists and related scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnical companies, hospitals and health, research and educational institutions.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Biologists
Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and of the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals
Conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports
Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens
Conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding
Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources
May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists
Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and algae
Conduct research into the structure and functioning of human, animal and plant tissues and cells
Conduct studies into the identification, effects and control of human, plant and animal pathogens and toxins
Conduct clinical or laboratory studies to test, evaluate and screen drugs, pharmaceuticals and nanoparticles used in biomedical applications
Conduct molecular or biochemical studies and experiments in genetic expression, gene manipulation and recombinant DNA technology to develop new or alternative methods of producing products
Conduct research in biotechnology to discover, develop and refine, and evaluate new products
May participate in the commercialization of new products
May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists
May conduct biostatistical data analysis using computer modelling techniques.
Biologists and related scientists may specialize at the macroscopic level, in fields such as botany, zoology, ecology and marine biology or, at the cellular and molecular level, in fields such as genetics, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, physiology, pathology, bacteriology, virology, biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Example job titles

•anatomist
•bacteriologist
•bioinformatician
•biologist
•botanist
•cell biologist
•ecologist
•embryologist

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, biologists and related scientists are classified under NOC code 21110. This TEER 1 occupation includes professionals who plan and conduct studies on the environment, as well as the population, structure, functional anatomy, development, and behavior of plants, animals, and other living organisms. Typical job titles under this category include biologist, botanist, zoologist, microbiologist, ecologist, and toxicologist. These professionals are commonly employed by government agencies, private research firms, environmental consulting companies, and educational institutions.

To qualify for permanent residency pathways in Canada under NOC 21110, candidates must satisfy rigorous academic and experience criteria. A bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related scientific discipline is mandatory for entry-level positions, while advanced research or post-secondary teaching roles generally require a master's degree or a doctoral degree. Because NOC 21110 is a high-skilled TEER 1 occupation, eligible candidates can apply through Canada's Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as various stream-aligned Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 21110 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Biologists and related scientists is TEER 1, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 21110 usually require?

Biologists and related scientists is classified as TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.