FBI Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU) | Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

FBI Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU)

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit’s (CFSRU) provides technical leadership for the FBI as well as for other law enforcement and intelligence agencies through applied research and development.

What will I be doing? As a participant with the Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU) Visiting Scientist Program (VSP), you will have an opportunity to enhance your professional development and increase your research capabilities and contributions by participating in forensic research initiatives utilizing state-of-the-art equipment under the mentorship of CFSRU scientists. The VSP will expose you to a research environment in a high security government facility and provides an opportunity to perform research in areas of interest unique to law enforcement and national security.

You may be involved in research including:

• Human identification
• Detection of Bio-threat agents
• Detection of explosives and drugs
• Characterization and comparison of forensic materials
• Elemental analysis of trace evidence
• Mass spectrometry applications to chemical and biological analyses, including IRMS
• Development of instrumental methods
• Evaluation of field portable instrumentation
• Advancement of forensic chemistry, specifically in toxicology, and trace volatiles
• Advancement of techniques for Imaging and Visualization

Under the guidance of a mentor, you may be involved in some or all of the following:

• Conducting searches of scientific literature
• Designing experimental plans
• Conducting field tests
• Performing analytical laboratory analyses
• Analyzing instrumental data/ documenting results
• Preparing and presenting research findings to diverse audiences, both orally and in writing

Why should I apply?  Under the guidance of a mentor, you will perform sophisticated laboratory techniques using emerging technologies, judge the completeness and accuracy of research results, perform statistical analyses on data, and prepare written manuscripts for FBI review and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Release of any information acquired during participation in this program is at the sole discretion of the FBI.

Where will I be located? Quantico, Virginia

Participant Benefits:

As a participant you will receive a stipend as support for your living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by the CFSRU officials and are based on your academic and professional background. One time dislocation expense of $2,000, incurred in relocating from your current address to Quantico, Virginia (if more than 50 miles from the address shown on the application), may be reimbursed. You will receive a travel allowance of $5,000 per appointment year to cover travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities. The initial appointment is for one year with the opportunity to extend up to additional 3 years for BS and MS level and up to four years for PhD level based on eligibility and availability of the participant and their mentor. The appointment is full time during standard business hours. Part time appointments will be considered under special circumstances.

For more information about the Visiting Scientist Program, please visit https://www.fbijobs.gov/students/undergrad

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (10 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (2 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (6 )
  • Engineering (4 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (19 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (6 )
  • Physics (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age