What it does: The Department of Science and Technology oversees scientific and technological advancements in the Philippines for economic and social development.
Best known for: being the first science and technology organization in the country
Staff stats: more than 5,000 employees
Financials: Php24.92 billion in the annual budget for the Fiscal Year 2021
The good bits: Entry-level employees enjoy above-average salaries. For instance, a science research specialist earns Php28,276 per month.
The not-so-good bits: Most entry-level roles at the department need graduates with applied sciences or engineering degrees.
The DOST started in 1958 as the National Science and Development Board. In 1981, the organization became the National Science and Technology Authority for broader policy-making and program capabilities.
The department only achieved cabinet-level status in 1987 with Executive Order 128. The Aquino administration during that time mandated the DOST to create policies for local science and technology efforts.
It also tasked the department to develop technology programs and foster research and development projects among private-sector groups. As of 2021, the DOST had an annual budget of almost Php25 billion to carry out its mandated responsibilities.
The median tenure of employees at the DOST is 3 years. It’s a decent number given the myriad of interesting projects that will teach a lot of things to new hires.
Insiders said that fresh grads should prepare for a challenging work environment—one that’s hampered by budget limits. The biggest challenge, however, would be dealing with strict project deadlines.
In other words, fresh grads with superb time management skills may find it easier to work at the DOST. In terms of work-life balance, most employees work during regular hours from Monday to Friday.
In 2020, the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the DOST’s Science Education Institute for unused scholarship funds. The COA advised the institute to return approximately Php1.7 billion to the Bureau of Treasury.
The DOST has supported thousands of qualified high school students with scholarship programs. In 2019, the department recorded more than 5,800 eligible science and technology scholars.
As part of the scholarships, the DOST will provide a monthly stipend of Php7,000. Scholars were also qualified for up to Php40,00 per academic year as tuition fee subsidies.
The DOST offers in-depth learning opportunities that are beneficial for fresh grads, especially for those who pursue further studies. While the department offers higher starting salaries than other government agencies, the DOST also sets high recruitment standards.
Fresh grads should expect a lengthy application timeline at the DOST that can take up to 30 days. Internship applicants, however, may complete the process in just one week.
Students should complete an aptitude test (eg IQ, personality) within one hour. Previous applicants said that they didn’t have to attend an interview.
Like most government roles, the DOST requires applicants to have Civil Service Commission (CSC) Professional or Second-Level Eligibility.
Fresh grads should also submit a Personal Data Sheet with a passport-size photo, and photocopies for a certificate of eligibility, license, rating, and transcript of records. Each job posting indicates a contact person, so applicants should take note of it.
The recruitment for entry-level jobs may begin with an initial screening of candidates. The DOST’s HR division will then evaluate and shortlist candidates for endorsement. Shortlisted applicants should prepare for a technical one-on-one or panel interview.
While all DOST opportunities are found on the CSC website, the department accommodates requests for a copy of job postings. Fresh grads should send their requests to [email protected]
Entry-level salaries at the DOST follow the government-mandated compensation structure. The Salary Standardization Law of 2019 provides government employees with fixed annual salary hikes from 2020 to 2023.
Inexperienced and untrained Science Research Specialists belong to the Salary Grade 13 pay rate. They earn Php28,276 per month as of 2021.
The DOST’s benefits package includes dental and medical coverage, education support, and Magna Carta Benefits (Republic Act 8439). Employees also enjoy government-mandated benefits (eg Pag-IBIG) miscellaneous allowance.
Fresh grads can join the DOST as science research specialists. Among the most common entry-level positions, this job doesn’t require any formal training or work experience.
Science research specialists at the department completed a relevant bachelor’s degree with Professional or Second-Level CSC Eligibility. Their competency skills comprise:
The career path for a science research specialist also looks like this:
Once fresh grads gain at least one year of work experience, they can become Science Research Specialists II. The role also requires at least four hours of job-relevant training.
For instance, the DOST prefers Science Research Specialists II to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, ECE, or Mechanical Engineering.
Biology, chemistry, food technology, and microbiology graduates are also qualified for the position. Science Research Specialists II become Senior Science Research Specialists when they acquire at least two years of experience. They also need eight hours of relevant training.
Supervising science research specialists have at least three years of relevant experience with 16 hours of training.
If they want to become a Chief Science Research Specialist, they need to complete a master’s degree. The CSC Certificate of Leadership and Management can be an alternative to advanced degrees.
Chief Science Research Specialists must have at least four years of management or supervisory experience. They also need to complete 40 hours of relevant training.