Forensic Research Scientist (Scientist/Engineer III LCAT)

FedWriters, Inc.•Gaithersburg, MD

5d•$100,000 - $145,000•Remote

About The Position

This is an opportunity for a forensic science professional to contribute to national standards through research. As a technical and programmatic support resource for NIST's Special Programs Office (SPO) and its Forensic Science Research Program (FSRP), the role involves documenting current forensic science practices and strengthening standards for criminal justice, public safety, and homeland security. The work includes facilitating process mapping working groups, auditing standards on the OSAC Registry for gaps, and developing interactive process maps. The position supports the mission of protecting public trust in forensic science by informing how disciplines like firearms, crime scene, and DNA analysis are practiced and validated nationwide. FWI is recognized as a Top Workplace and offers growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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