Biotech jobs are on the rise , thanks to a strong science base and the maturation of the industry.
Canada and the United Kingdom are in a virtual tie for second place in biotechnology, with the United States being the dominant force worldwide. The success of firms such as BioChem Pharma, Aventis Pasteur, and QLT Phototherapeutics has served to propel the industry forward, paving the road for the country' s 350 core-biotech companies. This success has translated into considerable growth in job opportunities. Employment estimates indicate that 16,000 workers are directly employed in biotechnology, with most activity taking place around one of several biotech clusters across the country, including Saskatoon, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. One of the key factors in the growth of the Canadian biotech sector is the continued availability of human resources.