Navy
MEDICAL
Subspecialty

Officer Subspecialty

1810

Biochemistry

An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.

Description

Biochemists participate in activities involving the disciplines of chemistry concerned with the chemical processes of living organisms. Supervises biochemistry or clinical chemistry laboratories. Establishes effects of extrinsic factors on human processes by monitoring the various functions of life processes. Researches biochemistry of other biological systems to identify functional mechanisms as they relate to man. Serves as consultant to other scientific disciplines.

Core Skills

  • biochemical analysis
  • clinical chemistry testing
  • laboratory supervision
  • molecular biology
  • assay development
  • quality control
  • biological process research
  • scientific consultation
  • laboratory safety

Common Certifications

  • American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology Technologist in Chemistry (Chemistry, C)
  • Certified Clinical Chemist (CC)
  • Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP)
  • Good Clinical Practice Certification
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Civilian Career Paths

  • MEDICAL LABORATORY
  • CLINICAL TECHNICIAN
  • PUBLIC HEALTH

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • Good Clinical Practice Certification
  • OSHA Laboratory Safety Training
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
  • College-Level Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Coursework

Career Growth

  • Certified Clinical Chemist (CC)
  • Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology Technologist in Chemistry (Chemistry, C)
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Data sourced from official Navy publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.