Neuroscientist
Unlock the mysteries of the brain - one of science's most exciting and rapidly advancing frontiers.
About the Career
Brain research is one of the most heavily funded science areas globally - Canada has world-class neuroscience institutes.
Salary in Canada
- Entry level: $60,000
- Senior level: $140,000
Clinical neuroscientists and those working in pharma or biotech earn more than academic researchers.
Job Outlook
High Growth demand. Brain research is one of the most heavily funded science areas globally - Canada has world-class neuroscience institutes.
How to Get There
- BSc (Neuroscience or Biology) + MSc + PhD
- Time to career: 10-12 years post-Grade 12
Key Skills
- Experimental Neuroscience
- Data Analysis (Python, MATLAB)
- Lab Techniques
- Scientific Writing
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Typical Employers
- Universities & research institutes
- Neurological institutes & research centres
- Pharma & biotech
- Hospitals & clinical research
- Government research agencies
High School Roadmap
- Take Biology. Read about how the brain works.
- Enter science fair. Research neuroscience undergraduate programs in Canada.
- Research the Brain and Cognitive Sciences programs at McGill. Aim for 90%+ average.
- Apply to neuroscience, biology, or health sciences undergrad. McGill and UofT are the top Canadian choices.
Top Universities for This Path
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- McMaster University – Hamilton, ON
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
Insider Tips
- McGill's Montreal Neurological Institute is one of the world's leading brain research centres.
- Neuroscience requires both biology and math/computing skills - the field is increasingly computational.
- Clinical neuroscience (working with patients) and research neuroscience are quite different career paths.