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Navy Microbiologists pioneer progress in the field of microbiology each day as they conduct surveillance of organisms, trace the most elemental sources of infectious disease, and remain at the forefront of pivotal research. All with the benefit of unrivaled, hands-on training, educational opportunities and some of the most advanced technology in the world.
Navy Microbiologists combat unique and exotic microorganisms that are found wherever Navy personnel are called to serve. Conducting medical research and development. Creating a culture of innovation and sustainability on the clinical level at Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). Or examining wound cultures aboard the USNS Comfort during a humanitarian mission, providing medical care to patients in a dozen countries.
Wherever their duties take them, it’s the Navy Microbiologist’s responsibility to employ cutting-edge technologies to alleviate real-world biological threats.
As a Navy Microbiologist, your primary focus will be to prevent, diagnose and/or treat infectious diseases. You may also be called upon to:
Serving part-time as a Reservist, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes. This gives you the flexibility to expand your profession in the Navy without compromising your civilian practice at home.
For annual training, Reservists may serve anywhere in the world, whether at sea, in facilities stateside, or on bases in countries around the world.
Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Reservists.
Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent.
Microbiologists in the Navy Reserve serve in an Officer role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with this job, initial training requirements must first be met.
For current or former Navy Officers (NAVET): Prior experience satisfies the initial leadership training requirement – so you will not need to go through Officer Training again.
For current or former Officers of military branches other than the Navy (OSVET), as well as for Officer candidates without prior military experience: You will need to meet the initial leadership training requirement by attending the 12-day Direct Commission Officer (DCO) School in Newport, R.I. This will count as your first Annual Training.
With flexible training options, Medical Service Corps Officers in the Navy Reserve can comfortably balance civilian and military schedules. You can maintain your own life and your own career – enriching both with the rewarding work you do for others.
The Medical Service Corps in the Navy Reserve offers a truly diverse variety of operational venues. In some cases, you can even work in the same civilian location you work in now. What’s more, you will enjoy an unrivaled sense of pride and fulfillment known only to those who serve.
Practicing Health Professionals
As a Reservist in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you’ll receive your choice of any one of these three generous financial offers:*
*Offers cannot be combined and depend on specialty. Sign-on bonus offer option available only to those with prior Navy experience (NAVET).
To qualify for employment consideration as a Microbiologist in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you must meet these basic requirements:
You may also be expected to meet certain preferred requirements:
Candidates with a doctoral degree have an advantage over M.S./M.A. candidates, since many research job openings require doctorate-level training.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you intend to serve Active Duty or Reserve Duty, and whether you are currently serving, have served before or have never served before.
Paid training. Competitive salary. Comprehensive health coverage. Generous vacation. World travel. The list goes on.
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