Bioscience Officer

Overview

As a member of the military, Bioscience Officers prevent and reduce health threats to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and improve their operational performance. They develop practical procedures, standards, equipment and strategies that protect CAF members and resources, respect the environment, and increase effectiveness.

Bioscience Officers are specialists in the human dimension of military operations, environmental processes and occupational health and safety, as well as the roles, capabilities and needs of CAF members. Their purpose is to optimize human interaction with military systems through the interpretation and application of current scientific standards and practices in the following fields:

• Study of human response to environmental stress;
• Development, testing and evaluation of protective clothing and equipment;
• Analysis of the human-machine interface and system design;
• Human-factors analysis of accidents;
• Exploitation of technology to improve health, safety and human capability; and
• Occupational hygiene support, which involves health-hazard and risk assessments of CAF workplaces and equipment.

High-risk training for CAF members so they can function effectively and safely when faced with environmental, occupational and operational health threats, which involves:

• Threat-specific countermeasures;
• Use of protective equipment; and
• Operational medical training.

Work environment

Bioscience Officers typically work in Canadian Forces Health Services Headquarters, CAF research establishments, or training units. They may be assigned to a Health Hazard Assessment Team or the Canadian Forces School of Survival and Aeromedical Training. They may be posted to support the operations of the Army, Royal Canadian Navy or Royal Canadian Air Force, in Canada or around the world.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

The minimum required education for this position is a four-year honours bachelor’s degree from an accredited Canadian university in Human Biology, Human Physiology, Kinesiology, Biology, Biochemistry or Microbiology. The CAF will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into an on-the-job training program following Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ). BMOQ and military occupation training are required before being assigned.

Preference is given to applicants with a Master’s degree in Human Systems Integration (Human Factors) or Occupational Health (Industrial Hygiene).

Training

After enrolment, Bioscience Officers attend Basic Military Officer Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. Basic Military Officer Qualification training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Bioscience Officers must complete the Common Health Services Officer (CHSO) course which is an eight-day e-learning course available on the Defence Learning Network (DLN). The CHSO course introduces Bioscience Officers to Canadian Armed Forces policies and procedures as well as HR management of military members and civilian personnel.

Bioscience Officers work for up to 18 months under the supervision of a senior Bioscience Officer in a preceptor program. This program includes a variety of military and civilian courses, as well as work experience to bring the Bioscience Officer to an operational and independent level of performance as quickly as possible.

Bioscience Officers may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses, professional conferences, and on-the-job training, including:

• Military Leadership;
• Instructional Techniques; and
• Project Management and Administration.

As they progress in their career, Bioscience Officers who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Graduate studies in Occupational Health;
• Graduate studies in Human Factors; and
• Aerospace Physiology.

Related Civilian Occupations

• Industrial Hygienist
• Ergonomist
• Medical Intelligence Analyst
• Human Factors Specialist
• Science Manager