Forensic Science Internship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Defense Forensic Science Center is offering a Post Bachelor’s, Postmaster’s, or Postdoctoral degree internship/fellowship.
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will learn comprehensive forensic operations in support of criminal investigations and conduct expeditionary forensic and biometric operations in support of Army and Department of Defense efforts to increase military readiness, protect the force and defend the Nation. The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) arm within DFSC. OCS’ mission is to advance current and develop future forensic and biometric capabilities.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to participant in research that supports DFSC Research Scientists in multiple forensic science research project areas. Research areas of interest may include:
- Quantitative and qualitative method improvement/development for the identification of chemical traces using a wide variety of analytical techniques including chromatographic separation, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, microscopy, etc.
- Novel methods to detect and identify biological fluids.
- Test and evaluation of new forensic tools, products, and instruments.
- Other research projects in the areas of forensic DNA/Biology, drug chemistry, latent prints, firearms and toolmarks, digital evidence, forensic documents, and trace evidence.
Additional projects may take the form of literature reviews intended to focus the research question to be addressed, experimental design and execution of the research project, and data interpretation that may include advanced mathematical and statistical analysis.
Where will I be located?
Forest Park, Georgia
What is the anticipated start date?
The Defense Forensic Science Center is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by Defense Forensic Science Center. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
About DFSC
The Defense Forensic Science Center, known as the DFSC, is the DoD’s premier forensic center, located on the Gillem Enclave in Forest Park, Georgia. DFSC conducts comprehensive forensic operations in support of criminal investigations and conducts expeditionary forensic and biometric operations in support of Army and Department of Defense efforts to increase military readiness, protect the force and defend the Nation. The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) arm within DFSC. OCS’ mission is to advance current and develop future forensic and biometric capabilities. OCS is engaged in research involving new techniques and methodologies to support the forensic examination of evidence associated with criminal investigations. Supported disciplines include forensic DNA/Biology, drug chemistry, latent prints, firearms and toolmarks, digital evidence, forensic documents, and trace evidence.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
The qualified candidate should have received a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect Profile
- Educational and Employment History
- Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Resume (PDF)
- Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- Two Recommendations. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until recommendations are submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. The recommender's will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.
If you have questions, send an email to stem-workforce@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity DFSC-2022-0001 in the subject line of the email.
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- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
