Scientific Officers (Medical Scientist) are integral components of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC) and are responsible for aiding medical practitioners in the diagnosis, monitoring and prevention of disease through the analysis of biological specimens. They are responsible for the provision of pathology services in deployed and non-deployed pathology environments. This includes the management of laboratories to conduct routine biochemical, microbiological, haematological and blood transfusion testing of clinical pathology specimens.

Scientific Officers (Research Scientist) are also integral components of RAAMC and are responsible for performing research at the Australian Army Malaria Institute (AMI). This research is aimed at ensuring Australian Defence Force personnel have the best protection against malaria and other vector borne diseases. AMI’s strategic focus is on the evaluation of new drugs, vaccines and personal protective measures as well as the provision of technical advice, risk assessment and management of disease outbreaks of military importance.

Reserve Scientific Officers may be employed as either Medical Scientists in the Army pathology laboratories or as Research Scientists at the AMI. They can perform similar roles to their full time colleagues, including undertaking overseas deployments.