Forensic Research Scientist

Overview

If you're a forensic science professional who wants your research to directly shape national standards, this is the opportunity to take notice of. As a key technical and programmatic support resource for NIST's Special Programs Office (SPO) and its Forensic Science Research Program (FSRP), you'll apply your subject-matter expertise to help document current forensic science practices and strengthen the standards that guide the criminal justice, public safety, and homeland security communities. From facilitating process mapping working groups to auditing standards on the OSAC Registry for gaps in guidance, your work will directly inform how forensic science disciplines like firearms, crime scene, and DNA analysis are practiced and validated nationwide. Whether you're developing interactive process maps, briefing NIST FSRP leadership, or identifying where AI-based tools could strengthen forensic workflows, every deliverable you produce supports a mission that protects public trust in forensic science.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET with travel required. 

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. 

Responsibilities

• Providing data visualization and facilitation support for virtual process map working group meetings across the firearms, crime scene, and DNA disciplines, using tools such as MS Visio or LucidChart
• Scheduling and conducting virtual meetings using NIST-approved platforms (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom), including developing meeting agendas and summaries
• Drafting and editing MS PowerPoint presentations on process mapping activities, and presenting findings at professional meetings
• Supporting the NIST FSRP Subject Matter Expert (SME) in developing a plan to use process maps as auditing tools for standards and best practices on the OSAC Registry, with a focus on auditing firearms process maps
• Participating in process mapping and audit meetings and documenting process steps that are missing or incomplete in published standards and best practices
• Maintaining project status in a project tracking tool (e.g., Excel or MS Project) and presenting updates at weekly virtual meetings with the NIST FSRP SME
• Reviewing process map steps across multiple forensic disciplines (e.g., fire investigation, seized drugs, human forensic DNA analysis, footwear and tire examination, firearms, friction ridge, handwriting, crime scene, wildlife forensics) to identify critical steps that could benefit from AI-based tools, and documenting findings in a structured table
• Preparing and delivering oral briefings and recommendations on process mapping activities at weekly status meetings
• Developing monthly progress reports (MPRs) detailing accomplishments, planned activities, resource expenditures, issues encountered, and schedule variances
• Maintaining a literature and terms database using a NIST-furnished reference management tool (EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley)
• Ensuring all deliverables are grammatically and technically correct, and appropriate for a mixed audience of Federal, State, and Local Government and industry/academia stakeholders
• Traveling as needed (approximately two trips, each up to one week) to support project meetings and professional conferences

Qualifications

Required: 

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to forensic science, OR a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a forensic science-related field
• Knowledge of research in forensic science and specialized experience addressing issues within the forensic sciences
• Record of noteworthy publications, invited talks, or contributions to the field of forensic sciences
• Experience as a principal contributor to complex technical efforts, including working group settings
• Experience providing technical editing support and facilitating process mapping exercises
• Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in at least one process mapping tool: MS Visio or LucidChart
• Proficiency in at least one reference management tool: EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley

Desired: 

• Direct subject-matter experience in firearms, crime scene, or DNA analysis disciplines
• Prior experience supporting NIST, OSAC, or other standards-development organizations
• Experience presenting at national forensic science conferences (e.g., AAFS)
• Familiarity with the OSAC Registry and published forensic science process maps

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Pay Range

$100,000 - $145,000 annually 

depending on experience, education, and clearance level.