Government scientists work in all levels of government, usually in research or advisory roles. Candidates who want to work for the government as a scientist must have a background in the scientific discipline required for the position. They must also demonstrate the required experience and articulate any specialized knowledge or experience that is critical to competently filling the vacancy. However, not all government scientists require a PhD; entry-level scientist positions are available for those with a strong undergraduate degree. Obtaining such a position is competitive, and it usually necessitates the submission of a detailed application as well as the fulfillment of additional requirements specific to sensitive government operations.
A four-year degree in a scientific discipline is usually the minimum educational requirement for becoming a government scientist. Many advertised positions will require the applicant to include this degree on his or her resume, as well as a list of the scientific discipline’s core courses. Typically, 24 semester hours in the discipline relevant to the position are required. College performance is just as important, and most job postings will ask candidates to list their GPA as well as grades in specific science courses relevant to the job. This is the bare minimum for entry-level scientist positions, though high-level positions or promotions frequently require a PhD or, in rare cases, a master’s degree.
For the majority of advertised positions, prior experience is also required. Again, regardless of scientific studies, most entry-level jobs have consistent requirements, and becoming a government scientist often requires one year of experience. Documentation of such experience is usually required in a research capacity, and it must be relevant to the performance of job duties. As a result, students should complete an internship while in college or shortly after graduation to gain that experience. Some positions, despite being entry-level, will require candidates to have specialized knowledge or experience, which candidates must demonstrate on their resumes.
In order to become a government scientist, candidates must meet some additional specialized requirements in addition to their education and professional experience. Security clearances are an important part of the hiring process as well as keeping a job after you’ve been hired. Applicants will typically need to have a clean criminal record, a good credit history, and a track record of ethical professional behavior. Drug testing is an unavoidable part of working with the government, and government scientists are no exception. Candidates must submit to and pass all drug screenings as a condition of accepting and keeping a job.