FBI Visiting Scientist Program: Counterterrorism and Forensic Science

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.

Department of Defense STEM Fellowship & Internship Opportunities

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education will be hosting a virtual career fair on Thursday, November 18 from 12 to 3 p.m. This event will allow students to learn about Department of Defense fellowship and internship opportunities. The goal of ORISE in partnership with the DoD, is to optimize the science and technology workforce through research to assist in the DoD’s mission. This event is a great way to learn about DoD internships and fellowships and become familiar with the opportunities available.

Students will be able to:

  • Learn about paid internships
  • Talk with mentors and staff about open opportunities
  • Learn about DoD facilities and research
  • Talk 1-on-1 with ORISE representatives about applications

Students can register leading up to the event, here.

For questions please reach out via email.

ORISE Research Opportunities with Agricultural Research Service

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is advertising several research opportunities with the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) with approaching deadlines!

Research Opportunity in Parasitology for Food Safety

Three research opportunities are currently available with the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory located in Beltsville, Maryland. Monthly stipend provided. Apply here.

Application deadline: December 19, 2019

Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit

A research opportunity is available with the Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit located in Urbana, Illinois. The selected participant will be an integral member of a team aimed at developing knowledge, models, and decision tools that ultimately reduce the risk that weeds pose to food production in the face of climate variability. Monthly stipend provided. Apply here.

Application deadline: January 2, 2020

Check the ORISE website for even more of their current open positions for research opportunities through ORISE.


Want to jump start your search for the right research program? Check out this listing of programs that have recently reached out to CBC students.

Summer ORISE Fellowship Opportunity at the FDA

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Jefferson, Arkansas is currently taking applications for a summer program. Selected individuals will train alongside investigators who conduct FDA mission-critical, translational research, that provides a scientifically sound basis for FDA regulatory decisions, and that reduces risks associated with FDA-regulated products.

Participants will be full-time for up to 10 weeks beginning May 28, 2019, and will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age.

Applications are open for undergraduate and incoming graduate/professional students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Proof of health insurance must be provided.

Apply online on their website.

To complete the application process, you will need:

  • An application
  • Transcripts
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and a publication list
  • Two educational or professional references
  • All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
  • The application deadline is February 15, 2019.

If you have further questions, please email FDArpp@orau.org. Include the reference code for this opportunity in your email (FDA-NCTR-2019-0116).

Note: Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE, or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits paid. Eligible majors include Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering (Bioengineering, Biomedical, Chemical, and Engineering Sciences), Nanotechnology, and Computer Science (Scientific Computing and Informatics), as well as Life Health and Medical Sciences, and Other Physical Sciences.