Medical Scientist (Research)
As a Medical Scientist, you’ll contribute to ADF health capability through research at the Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute (ADFMIDI).
What you'll do
Working out of the world-recognised Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute (ADFMIDI), you’ll ensure the ADF has the best possible protection against malaria and other infectious diseases through collaborative research, training and health engagement activities. ADFMIDI achieves its mission through the work of its 5 departments:
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics
- Drug Evaluation
- Clinical Studies and Surveillance
- Vector Surveillance and Control
- Arbovirology.
ADFMIDI is staffed by experienced military officers and (civilian) public servants who conduct considerable collaborative research with strong links to academic and research organisations in Australia and across the globe.
Your duties may include:
- analysis and research of malaria and other vector borne diseases
- evaluating new drugs, vaccines, personal protective measures and risk assessments
- ensuring equipment and facilities comply with regulatory bodies
- maintaining confidentiality of patient information while being tactful and compassionate
- military and training duties
- assisting with multi-national humanitarian operations.
You’ll need to be able to communicate effectively and professionally while working independently or in a small team. You may need to be able to adapt to a range of different work environments.
You may also be required to assist in the planning, coordination, assembly and deployment of ADF research teams within a tri-service, multi-national operational environment. This work could be under warlike or non-warlike conditions, such as UN mission, humanitarian disaster response and relief, health engagement and resiliency building.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Army will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Army.
Following training, you’ll perform your duties in a variety of environments and workplace conditions, from climate-controlled purpose-built fixed facilities to mobile health facilities in land or maritime environments.
Normal working conditions include those encountered on operations, training and in barracks. You’ll be expected to operate under the same working conditions as the organisation you’re supporting.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
The standard requirement for entry to this role is a completed and suitable Science Bachelor’s Degree with relevant experience. You’ll also need a postgraduate education, usually at a minimum of an Honours or Master’s Degree, with a strong research focus or background.
Suitable degrees include (but are not limited to):
- Entomology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
- Parasitology
- Pharmacology
- Virology.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Male
- Push-ups: 8
- Sit-ups: 20
- Beep Test: 6.1.
Female
- Push-ups: 4
- Sit-ups: 20
- Beep Test: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC)
Duration: 25 days
Location: Royal Military College – Duntroon, Canberra, ACT
You’ll learn fundamental knowledge of:
- leadership and military justice
- weapons handling
- command and control
- unit and personnel administration
- basic military skills
- the ideals of officer behaviour
- attitudes necessary for future employment.
This course is delivered in 2 parts for both full-time and part-time (Reserve) Officers.
- Part 1 – 10 days
- Part 2 – 15 days.
Course: Logistic Officer Basic Course (LOBC) – Health
Duration: 20 days
Location: Army Logistic Training Centre, Albury/Wodonga region
You’ll undertake this course in the first 12 months of your appointment, where you’ll learn the fundamental skills required to operate in a deployed environment. The course includes theory, practical and simulated activities.
The LOBC aims to provide Logistic and Health Officers with corps and integrated skills and knowledge to fulfil a range of command and health specialised appointments at the rank of Lieutenant in a foundation warfighting environment.
As a Medical Scientist, you may also be required to undergo further training in areas such as malaria microscopic diagnosis and advanced blood transfusion procedures, or a Master’s or PhD research degree.