FBI Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU)

Organization
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Reference Code
FBI-CFSRU-2026
How to Apply

Click on Apply below to start your application.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis and mentors review applications throughout the year as new projects become available.

Description

Exciting Career Development Opportunities for Recent Graduates!

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU) is currently seeking qualified individuals who have earned their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree within the last five years to join the FBI Visiting Scientist Program (VSP). This educational and training program offers an immersive opportunity for participants access to cutting-edge resources and innovative STEM research opportunities at the FBI CRSRU Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. The program provides a hands-on STEM learning experience, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and mentorship from esteemed experts across diverse STEM fields that support forensic research.

The FBI CFSRU Laboratory leads STEM research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts in forensic science and evidence collection. Its extensive portfolio spans molecular biology, genetics, analytical chemistry, geology, geophysics, statistics, and physical sciences. DNA-related STEM research focuses on developing and validating new methods, including massively parallel sequencing. Chemistry research emphasizes explosives, inks, and document analysis, while geology studies aim to identify the geographic origins of trace evidence through soil and mineral analysis. Additional STEM research addresses challenges in feature comparison and pattern evidence, including fingerprints, handwriting, and firearms.

What will I be doing?
As a participant in the Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU) Visiting Scientist Program (VSP), you will have the opportunity to enhance your professional development and strengthen your STEM research skills by contributing to forensic science initiatives. Through immersive STEM learning experiences under the mentorship of CFSRU scientists, you will engage in STEM research projects utilizing advanced equipment and techniques. This program offers a unique chance to perform STEM research in areas critical to law enforcement and national security, while expanding your expertise in forensic science.

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 engage in hands-on STEM learning experiences that include applying advanced laboratory techniques using emerging technologies, evaluating the completeness and accuracy of research findings, conducting statistical analyses on data, and developing written manuscripts for review by the FBI and potential publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Please note that any information acquired during participation in this program may only be shared or released at the sole discretion of the FBI.

Where will I be located? Quantico, Virginia

Provisions:

As a participant you will receive a stipend to help support 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 an additional 4 years based on eligibility and availability of the participant and their mentor.  Participants will be expected to be fully engaged during the appointment period. 

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

Nature of Appointment

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 the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Fellows do not become employees of FBI, CFSRU, ORAU, ORISE, DOE, or any other agency, and there are no employment-related benefits. Instead, the fellow will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Qualifications

Participation Eligibility:

You must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

• Be a U.S. Citizen.

• Must have completed requirements for a bachelor’s, master's, or PhD within the last 5 years or complete all the requirements for the degree by the anticipated start date of the appointment. If more than five years since receipt of degree, the applicant must have an academic background and experience in a relevant field and must be seeking to gain new knowledge/experience in order to expand career opportunities or to advance professionally. 

• Able to pass an extensive FBI background investigation and meet suitability criteria.

Program Website: https://orise.orau.gov/fbi/

Applicants should have received their Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree within the last 5 years of the start date.  Students may apply for the program, but selected applicants will need to have completed their degree before their start date. 

A complete application consists of:

• Complete Zintellect profile and responses to opportunity specific application questions.

• Transcripts/Academic Records - Recent unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted to complete the application, if a copy of the official transcript is not available at the time of application. Transcripts/Academic Records must include the name of the academic institution, name of the student, completed/in progress coursework and grades. If you are selected, you will be required to provide proof of degree that includes either a letter from the university's authorized Academic Official on official letter head stating all degree requirements have been met, or a copy of your diploma (with English translation), or a copy of your most recent official transcript showing proof of degree, before the appointment can start.

• A current resume/CV including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list. 

• Two Academic or Professional Recommendations: The recommendations should address a candidate's academic record and potential for success as a fellow, as indicated by communication, motivation, and collaboration skills, and must be submitted through Zintellect. Applications without both recommendations will not be reviewed.  

All documents must be submitted through Zintellect, and must be in English or include an official English translation. Documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Supporting documents sent by email, postal mail, or fax will not be considered. All supporting materials must be uploaded as PDF files so the document can be searched by Zintellect's search engine. Scanned items are not optimal for search engines. PDF must not require special certificates or passwords to open. Max file size is 10MB. 

If you have questions, send an email to FBIrpp@orau.org . Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Point of Contact
Daphne
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 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

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