Science Mission Chief

Science Mission Chief‏‎

The technical leader of a scientific mission or science corps ship.

The technical personnel aboard an Explorer ship is usually Union Navy and the actual ship is under the command of a Union Navy Captain, but the overall leader is a Science Mission Chief.

For all sense and purpose it is the Mission chief that has the lead and the highest command authority aboard a Science vessel. However in times of emergencies, or any time the ships alarm is raised, the Ships Captain becomes the final authority. The science chief is not always a permanent position but can be an expert or specialist  in whatever the subject or goal of a scientific mission is.

The SMC may receive additional authority depending on the importance of the mission but has no influence over actual ship operations, However Union Explorer ship captains may hold both roles as many Explorers ship officers hold academic titles as well.

Science Mission Chief is technically not a rank but a posting and temporary lead position of civilian nature.