Forensic Toxicology

FBI Visiting Scientist Program: Counterterrorism and Forensic Science

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FBI logoThe ORISE Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) is an educational and training program designed to connect participants with unique resources at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) laboratory.

The FBI Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (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 CFSRU 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.

Detailed information regarding the research topics and daily tasks can be found on the opportunity listing.

Where will I be located? Quantico, Virginia

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.

The benefits include a competitive stipend and relocation up to $1,000. 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 can be up to one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of FBI contingent on the availability of funds. The appointment can be made on a full-time or part-time basis.

Am I eligible? Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen and have completed requirements for a Bachelor’s, Master, or PhD or complete all the requirements for the degree by the anticipated start date of the appointment.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about CFSRU and apply here.

Master’s in Forensic Toxicology & Analytical Genetics

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As the flagship university in the Commonwealth, the University of Kentucky provides the only Master’s of Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics (or degree of comparable nature) in the state, and it is only the fifth such professional master’s degree in the field of forensics in the nation.

This two-year program has two areas of concentration: one concentration is focused on Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry and the second on Forensic/Analytical Genetics. Through the common core curriculum, students in both concentrations will have foundational information and skill set in advanced forensic science, writing, communication, professionalism, ethics, legal perspectives, and workplace-specific laboratory skills. Through a rigorous targeted finishing curriculum in either concentration, including internship experiences and cognate elective courses, the graduates will be competitive for workforce deployment in the areas of private industry drug testing, private DNA analysis, forensic governmental divisions, and hospital clinical labs.

This new degree is an advanced training curriculum that includes courses to prepare students for courtroom testimony and two internship experiences to prepare students for rapid workforce deployment upon graduation.

More information can be found on the flyer and the program’s website.

The department is still recruiting students for Fall 2019, so this may be of interest to recent graduates! Interested students can email Isabel Mellon or the department.

University of Kentucky Offering New Masters Degree

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The University of Kentucky is now offering a Masters degree in Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics. This degree focuses on both Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry and Analytical Genetics/DNA, and is currently accepting applications for fall semester, 2019.

The Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics degree will provide students with two internships which will prepare students for their careers, as well as preparation for courtroom testimony. Students who are interested may contact Dr. Isabel Mellon or the department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology. More information about the degree and the application process can be found on their website.