Scientist

Spearhead research for vulnerable communities.

USPHS Commissioned Corps scientists conduct biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and epidemiological research, enforce drug and medical device regulations, and manage national and international research programs.

Officers In Action

A Message from Chief Scientist Officer CAPT Sandhu

Becoming a science and research health professions officer in the USPHS Commissioned Corps

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Doctorate-level degrees in a scientific or health-related specialty from an accredited university, usually approved in American Universities and Colleges (published by the American Council on Education)

Current, unrestricted, and valid license from a U.S. State for any doctoral degree discipline or profession requiring licensure

Specialty areas

Including but not limited to the following

Epidemiology and other Public Health Sciences

Health and Bioinformatics

Health Risk Assessment/Communication and Health Marketing

Physical and Biological Sciences Biostatistics

Regulatory Affairs in Biology, Toxicology, and Environmental Science

Science Administration (Research and Management)

Science And Public Health Policy

Social Sciences

Are you fit to serve?

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Officers are encouraged to grow professionally within their agencies, with pay increases based on promotions and years of service.

Officers and their families receive medical and dental care at little or no cost through TRICARE. Coverage begins on the first day of service. Learn more

Officers are encouraged to expand their knowledge base and pursue professional opportunities across agencies throughout their tenure in the USPHS Commissioned Corps.

The USPHS Commissioned Corps offers a Basic Allowance for Housing, a tax-free amount to cover your rent or mortgage that is calculated by your rank/grade, duty station location, and dependent status.

The USPHS Commissioned Corps also provides a Basic Allowance for Subsistence, which offsets costs for officers’ meals and is adjusted based on the cost of food as measured by the USDA food cost index. (The Basic Allowance for Subsistence does not cover meals for officers’ family members.)

Public Health Service officers have access to the benefits provided in the Post-9/11 GI Bill after 90 days of active duty service, provided they have not used the benefits previously. Benefits include funding for tuition, housing, supplies, and more. Learn more

Public Health Service officers are enrolled in a Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement plan similar to a 401(k), and a retirement pension plan with benefits eligibility beginning after 20 years of service (each additional year of service garners 2.5%).

The USPHS Commissioned Corps offers a variety of jobs in rural, urban, tribal and international communities. Officers serve in 800 different locations across all 50 states and numerous foreign duty stations.