Are You FBI-ready?

Forensic Science | Chemistry | Biology | Psychology

Are you ready to be immersed in an unmatched experience with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the largest forensic laboratory in the world? The FBI Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) is an educational training program, administered by ORISE, designed to connect its participants with unique resources and progressive research at the Forensic Science Research and Training Center in Quantico, Virginia. This FBI lab has been hosting students, postgraduates, and university faculty since 1982 and provides participants with experiential, cutting-edge research experiences to help further their education, professional development, and career trajectory. VSP participants enhance their marketable skills and increase research capabilities by participating in forensic research initiatives utilizing state-of the art equipment under the mentorship of renowned experts in a wide range of STEM fields supporting forensic research. In collaboration with these experts and scientists, participants engage in research in areas of interest to law enforcement and national security. Additionally, VSP allows participants to explore future career opportunities with the FBI and federal government.

Are you ready to start your career with an FBI program through ORISE? Get started below!

Additional Information

Why apply?

As a program participant, you will:

  • Learn from, and collaborate with, FBI scientists and experts to address modern challenges in development of laboratory equipment, forensic analysis and materials, increasingly efficient processes and procedures, development of mass spectrometry apparatus and applications, and advancement of forensic chemistry.
  • Establish a professional network of the nation’s leading forensic experts, FBI scientists, federal employees, and public stakeholders.
  • Develop critical skills and contribute to mission-related research activities under the guidance of forensic science and criminal justice experts.
  • Receive financial support including relocation reimbursement, a travel and education allowance, and a stipend for your program participation.
  • Gain a competitive advantage in your career path as you apply your education and talent in a variety of settings.

Am I eligible?

Because of the educational nature of these programs, participants must fall into one of the following categories:

  • Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. pre-college, college or university pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), and must maintain satisfactory progress towards completion of a degree.
  • Postgraduates must have received their degree in an appropriate STEM discipline within five years of the appointment start date or must complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date. If more than five years since receipt of degree, the applicant must have an academic background and experience in a relevant field and must be seeking to gain new knowledge/experience in order to expand career opportunities or to advance professionally.
  • Faculty must be full-time faculty from an accredited U.S. pre-college, college, or university.

Selections are made by the FBI mentor after completion of an eligible application in Zintellect. More information is available on the Information for Applicants page.

Applications will be considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

What will I receive?

  • Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend to help defray living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by FBI and are based on the participant’s educational level.
  • Professional Development: Depending on your project assignment, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for travel, professional development, and educational experiences to further the educational goals of your appointment.
  • Relocation Allowance: If applicable, you may be eligible for reimbursement of relocation expenses.  
image of scientist looking intently at a microscope

The FBI places emphasis on various cross-cutting initiatives to further forensic science. Some focus areas of the FBI Visiting Scientist Program include:

  • Detection of bio-threat agents, explosives, and drugs
  • Characterization and comparison of forensic materials
  • Elemental analysis of trace evidence; human body identification
  • Mass spectrometry applications to chemical and biological analyses, including IRMS
  • Advancement of forensic chemistry, specifically in toxicology, and trace volatiles
  • Advancement of techniques for imaging and visualization