Opportunity at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Methodologies for Forensic Provenance Analysis or Source Attribution

Location

Material Measurement Laboratory, Materials Measurement Science Division

RO# Location
50.64.31.C0833 Gaithersburg, MD

Please note: This Agency only participates in the February and August reviews.

Advisers
name email phone
Edward Ryan Sisco edward.sisco@nist.gov 301-975-2093
Description

This opportunity focuses on the development of analytical methods and statistical techniques that could be employed for provenance analysis or source attribution in a forensic context. In forensic chemistry disciplines, determining the source of a piece of evidence can provide critical investigative or intelligence information. Accurately identifying the provenance or source of a sample, however, requires the development of not only analytical methods that can detect minute similarities or differences between specimens but also statistical data processing approaches that can assist in highlighting this information. Through this opportunity we are hoping to provide forensic practitioners with validated analytical and statistical processes for a range of forensic evidence – seized drug, wildlife, ignitable liquids, or trace evidence – where this information is needed. Development of approaches to this challenge will have wide ranging applicability not only to forensic science but also to homeland security, public health, environmental conservation, and industry. To ensure success of projects for this opportunity, applicants will be encouraged to collaborate with other NIST laboratories as well as local, state, and federal forensic laboratories. We are seeking independent, motivated individuals with backgrounds across the physical, chemical, mathematical, and statistical science disciplines.

Keywords:

Forensic Science; Source Attribution; Provenance; Wildlife; Seized Drugs; Trace Evidence

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Stipend
Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$74,950.00 $3,000.00