Biotechnology engineering

Made for you if you’re passionate about biology and dream of contributing to breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical, chemical, or agri-food sectors.

Did you know

$135,382
Average salary

(Genium360, Remuneration of engineering professionals in Quebec – Investigation report 2025-2026)
4 years
Duration of the bachelor’s degree in biotechnology engineering
51%
of biotechnology engineers are women
Quebec is behind the world’s most widely used HIV drug.
3TC has changed millions of lives around the world. Behind this breakthrough: Quebec engineers and researchers. That’s biotechnology engineering.
Probiotics that changed hospital care.
They help prevent and relieve certain health problems in patients.
A life split between the lab and the field.
Analysis, research, quality control—your skills apply in many settings.

What you will actually do

As a biotechnology engineer, you’ll lead applied research that directly impacts health, food, and the environment.

Manage research projects aimed at developing techniques for using microorganisms, animal cells, and plant cells.
Write scientific reports and articles on research findings.
Perform chemical and biochemical analyses as part of research projects.
Develop and implement quality control tests and monitor them.

Source: REPÈRES, the official school and career information website (in French)

Where do you see yourself?

Biotechnology engineers work in fields as varied as pharmaceuticals, agri-food, and medical research.

Scientific research and development centres
Manufacturing companies
Academic institutions
Food and beverage industry
Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry
Refined petroleum product industry
Testing and analytical laboratory services
Medical laboratory, diagnostic analysis and radiology services

Where to study

Universities offering the program

Université de Sherbrooke

GROWING POPULARITY

Biotechnology is growing five times faster than traditional chemistry.

Biotechnology is replacing traditional chemical processes in many industries. Medicines, cosmetics, biodegradable plastics, biofuels—the applications keep expanding. And the demand for trained engineers is rising fast.

10× more

internships than students!

WHEN ONE INJECTION CHANGES EVERYTHING

A single injection to treat diabetic retinopathy.

Researchers developed a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy—a serious eye disease—that could be delivered in a single injection. A clear example of how biotechnology engineering can improve people’s quality of life.

Read the article about the diabetic retinopathy treatment

Play Mission Génie to discover the type of engineering that suits you!

An interactive game to explore the different types of engineering and find the one that best matches your interests and talents.

Start the game