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.

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:

1. 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.
2. Novel methods to detect and identify biological fluids.
3. Test and evaluation of new forensic tools, products, and instruments.
4. 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.

Appointment Length

This appointment is a 12-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.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by DFSC. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE
• Training and Travel Allowance

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

Qualifications

Candidates must have received a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).