A Sailor

"By working as a biochemist in the Navy, I feel that I have complete control over my career. Also as a Navy Biochemist, I feel that I have the best equipment. I feel I work in the best research laboratories. I also feel that I work with the best people."


Biochemistry

Job Overview:

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Classification:
Χ Enlisted
√ Officer
Available in:
√ Active Duty
√ Navy Reserve

In Navy Biochemistry, you’ll find cutting-edge research in practice. Elite scientists at the top of their fields. And a position of honor and respect waiting should you choose to join such ranks.

Pay:

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The Navy operates in countless locales – and each one presents unique challenges for Sailors and Marines. Navy Research Biochemists and Forensic Toxicologists work behind the scenes to promote the safety of personnel as well as analyze crucial evidence for military court proceedings.

It’s a wide, varied field of specialties offering excellent opportunities for career growth.

What will you do?

In the Navy, there are two distinct subspecialties in this field: biochemistry and toxicology.

Research biochemists conduct and manage basic and applied research on biochemical problems of interest to the Navy. Design studies, develop methodologies, carry out research studies and analyze results.

Forensic toxicologists manage and direct operations for military forensic laboratories. Identify abuse of drugs in body fluids using state-of-the-art equipment. Present forensic evidence to lawyers, military judges and members of court-martial proceedings. Study the effects of toxic substances on normal life processes, test and develop protective equipment for military operations and evaluate exposure limits to chemical compounds. Work in a forensic laboratory, Navy research laboratory or Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit, or teach at the Naval Academy and elsewhere.

You’ll gain experience working in Navy and joint-service research centers, serving as a member of a research team and assisting in training of medical personnel. You may also serve as a member of a deployable Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Environmental (CBRE) Training Team in support of our nation’s defense against biological, chemical and nuclear weapons.

Requirements

Basic Requirements

  1. Doctorate (Ph.D.) or master’s degree from a program of at least two years duration that includes some research experience in one of the following fields:
    • Chemistry (with a strong life sciences background)
    • Toxicology
    • Pharmacology
    • Molecular biology

Preferred Requirements

  1. Experience in biochemical and analytical chemistry laboratory techniques from graduate training or work experience
  2. Author or coauthor of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
  3. Ph.D. candidates have an advantage over master’s-level candidates since most of the Navy job openings require doctorate-level training
  4. GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or better for undergraduate studies and 3.5 or better for graduate work

Want to drill deeper? Learn more about other Health Care Opportunities in the Medical Service Corps.

For more information, to talk to a Navy representative or to request a free informative video about the Navy Medical Service Corps, please fill out an information request form. We look forward to hearing from you!

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