Life Scientists
Background
The military conducts studies of human and animal diseases to understand their causes and to find treatments. Harmful pests and bacteria are studied to find ways to protect people and food against illness or infection. Life scientists study the biology and chemistry of living organisms.
What They Do
Life scientists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct experiments and write technical reports
- Direct blood banks and study blood chemistry
- Study bacteria and parasites to determine how they invade and affect humans or animals
- Study food storage and handling methods
- Study the effects of aerospace flight, temperature, and movement on human physiology
- Study the effects of diseases, poisons, and radiation on laboratory animals
- Study the effects of drugs, chemicals, and gases on living organisms
- Study ways of keeping bases and ships free from pests and contagious diseases
- Study ways of protecting humans through immunization from diseases
Physical Demands
No information available.
Special Requirements
A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career. Some specialties require a master's degree or medical degree.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
- Interest in math, chemistry, biology, medicine, and medical research
- Interest in scientific work
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
Helpful fields of study include:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Work Environment
Most life scientists work in medical, clinical, and research laboratories. Some work in food processing or storage plants. They may work outdoors while conducting field work on land or aboard ships.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for officers.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
No initial job training is provided to officers in this career. However, advanced courses are available in some specialties.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian life scientists work for universities, government agencies, medical laboratories, blood banks, pharmaceutical firms, chemical companies, or in private practice. They perform duties similar to those performed by military life scientists. Depending on their specialty, civilian life scientists may be called biochemists, biologists, entomologists, immunologists, medical technologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, toxicologists, or veterinarians.
Related Civilian Careers
- Agricultural Scientists
- Animal Scientists
- Biologists
- Food Scientists
- Medical Scientists
- Veterinarians
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 1,500 life scientists. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new scientists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. Newly commissioned life scientists are normally assigned to a laboratory, where they conduct research under the direction of more experienced scientists. In time, they may manage their own research projects and direct other officers. Eventually, they may become directors of research laboratories or hold other senior management positions in the health research field.