Health researchers

Health researchers study how to help people live longer and better. They ask questions, collect and analyze data, and test ideas to better understand how to prevent illness, improve treatments, and strengthen health systems.

About health research

British Columbia is home to leading health researchers and institutions recognized nationally and internationally for their excellence. Health research is divided into four distinct research themes:

  • Population health research: Population health research investigates the health of entire communities and populations. It explores the social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors that influence health at a population level.
  • Health services research: This category focuses on how healthcare is delivered and organized. It examines the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of healthcare systems, services, and programs.
  • Clinical research: Clinical research involves studying diseases and treatments in humans. It includes clinical trials to test new therapies, as well as observational studies to understand disease progression and risk factors.
  • Biomedical (or basic science) research: This category focuses on fundamental biological processes and mechanisms of disease. It often involves laboratory-based studies using cells, tissues, or animals to understand the underlying causes and development of diseases.

  • Design and conduct studies to answer important health questions
  • Collect and analyze data using statistical and scientific methods to generate evidence
  • Work with patients, communities, and health-care providers to improve care
  • Develop and test new treatments, vaccines, and health programs
  • Share results with the public, policy makers, and the scientific community
  • Collaborate with local, national, and international partners
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To work as a health researcher, you usually need:

  • A bachelor’s degree in health science, statistics, public health, or a related field
  • For most roles, a master’s degree or doctorate in philosophy is required, often in health science, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field
  • For lead clinical research roles, a Doctor of Medicine degree is required 
  • Strong quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis skills, and using data tools or software for analysis
  • Knowledge of ethics in research and patient privacy regulations
  • Please note that clinical research roles may require additional healthcare or clinical certifications
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There are many opportunities for health researchers in leading health research institutes and public health institutions across the province. For those interested in pursuing a career as a health researcher in a health authority visit the Explore jobs page for more information.

In addition, Michael Smith Health Research BC supports a health research system that improves health and health care and strengthens the economy by building research careers, advancing priority research, and accelerating the use of research evidence. Genome British Columbia supports world-class genomics research and innovation to grow globally competitive life sciences sectors and deliver sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond.

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Health researchers in B.C. earn competitive salaries that vary by role, education, and experience. In addition, many publicly funded employers including research institutions offer comprehensive compensation packages for regular-status employees, including employer-paid benefits such as:

  • Paid vacation time: 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment, depending on the health authority/employer.
  • Defined Benefit Public Pension Plan (Municipal or Public Service Pension Plan) 
  • BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)  
  • Extended health care  
  • Dental coverage  
  • Life insurance  
  • Short-term and long-term disability  
  • Employee and Family Assistance Plan  
  • Other benefits: such as maternity, paternity and adoption leaves 
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If you are a non-clinical researcher trained outside of Canada, you can build your health research career in B.C. by:

  • Reviewing immigration and credential assessment resources through WelcomeBC
  • Learn about getting certified to work in your profession in British Columbia
  • Exploring research assistant or coordinator roles as an entry point
  • Applying for postdoctoral fellowships or grant-funded projects through agencies like Michael Smith Health Research BC and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
  • Networking with research institutes for mentorship and collaboration opportunities

If you are an internationally trained physician researcher, please see our Physicians page for more information and resources for internationally trained physicians, including licensing, registration, and immigration supports.

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B.C. news for health researchers

Province helps build global connections for B.C.’s life-sciences sector

B.C. will lead a delegation of companies to the BIO International Convention in Boston, Mass., to attract more investment to the province’s life-sciences sector and build relationships with other countries to help strengthen the economy against ongoing U.S. tariffs.

Learn more about British Columbia’s life-sciences sector

Genomics research will advance treatment for B.C. patients

The Province is accelerating the future of patient care and advancing testing for cancer, heart disease, transplants and infections with eight new genomics research projects, in partnership with Genome BC and Genome Alberta.

Learn more about genomics research in British Columbia

UBC’s new biomedical engineering building will advance health, biotech

On April 8, 2025, the University of British Columbia officially opened the doors to the Gordon B. Shrum Building, the new home for the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME). As Canada’s first purpose-built facility for biomedical engineering, the new building brings together researchers, students, and industry partners under one roof to advance biomedical research, education, and innovation.

Learn more about biomedical research, education, and innovation in B.C.

Explore careers with B.C.’s public health employers

British Columbia’s health authorities offer outstanding and diverse opportunities, to not only build your career, but to forge your own lifestyle.

Explore job opportunities today