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Participating Agencies

RAP opportunity at National Institute of Standards and Technology     NIST

Strengthening Forensic Fire Debris Analysis

Location

Material Measurement Laboratory, Materials Measurement Science Division

opportunity location
50.64.31.C0529 Gaithersburg, MD

NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.

Advisers

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

Description

Fire debris, or ignitable liquid, analysis is a commonplace forensic examination to assist in the determination of arson. This analysis is typically completed using an extraction of evidence followed by analysis with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and subsequent interpretation of the results through comparison of chromatographic patterns to known ignitable liquids. This opportunity is focused on developing approaches or methodologies to strengthen one or multiple parts of this fire debris analysis process. Project areas could include the investigation of new sample preparation or extraction procedures, development of new analytical approaches (such as ambient ionization mass spectrometry), or establishing protocols or methodologies for more objective data interpretation. Projects focused on development of standards, standard reference data, error rates, or uncertainities are also of interest as they are of need to the community. Opportunities for collaboration with other NIST laboratories as well as local, state, and federal forensic laboratories exist. We are seeking independent, motivated individuals with backgrounds in analytical chemistry, engineering, statistics, and mathematics to contribute to our collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.

key words
Forensics; Forensic Science; Analytical Chemistry; Fire Debris; Ignitable Liquid; Mass Spectrometry; Statistics; Computer Modeling

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens
Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Stipend

Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$82,764.00 $3,000.00
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