The Department of Forensic Sciences welcomes interns from a variety of programs, including Forensic Science, Public Health, Law, Information Technology, Social Sciences, Business and Economics. Space is limited and the positions are competitive; internships at the DFS are unpaid and at-will.

There are currently four tracks for internships:

Track 1: Programmatic Internship

Typically awarded to junior or senior undergraduate students interested in assisting DFS experts and/or management with programmatic functions of the DFS, administrative tasks, or streamlining of laboratory functions. DFS also accepts law students interested in assisting DFS General Counsel with legal research, writing, and/or assistance in forensic/legal matters.

Applicants for Track 1 must:

• Be studying, or have completed college level courses in biology, chemistry, forensic science, public health sciences, legal, IT, business or related field.
• Have a minimum 3.0 (“B”) GPA.
• Submit to and pass a background check
• Applicants must provide the following:
• Completed District of Columbia Employment Application (DC 2000)(Application Instructions)
• Resume
• Cover letter explaining:
• areas of interest and expectations of their experience at DFS
• educational background
• career goals
• availability

Completed applications must be sent in one email to [email protected].

Track 2: Research Internship

Typically awarded to masters or doctoral level students who wish to work with DFS scientists, legal counsel, and/or management on research projects that support the learning of practical professional skills for the student and benefit the DFS and its stakeholders. The project can be related to a student's degree work, if relevant.

Applicants for Track 2 must:

• Be studying at the graduate or post-doctoral level in biology, chemistry, forensic science, public health sciences, legal, IT, business or related field.
• Have a minimum 3.0 (“B”) GPA.
• Submit to and pass a background check
• Provide university transcript – does not have to be an official transcript
• Applicants must provide the following:
• Completed District of Columbia Employment Application (DC 2000)(Application Instructions)
• Resume
• Cover letter explaining:
• research proposal
• areas of interest and expectations of their experience at DFS
• educational background
• career goals
• availability

Track 3: S.T.E.M. Program High School Internship

Typically awarded to junior or senior high school students enrolled in a District of Columbia dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) program. The DFS will take a maximum of four (4) students each semester.

Applicants for Track 3 must:

• Be recommended by their high school STEM instructor for the internship
• Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA
• Submit to and pass a background check
• Be in good standing with their educational institution
• Applicants must provide the following:
• Completed District of Columbia Employment Application (DC 2000)(Application Instructions)
• Formal written essay outlining areas of interest and expectations of their experience at DFS, educational background, and career goals

Completed applications must be sent in one email to [email protected]

Track 4: District Leadership Program (DLP)

The Program is managed by DC Department of Human Resources. DFS takes a maximum of two (2) students per school year.
Applicants for Track 4 will find all required information on: https://dchr.dc.gov/page/district-leadership-program-dlp-paid-internship-opportunity.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed as received. Applicants will be chosen based on scholastic ability, accomplishments, and needs of DFS. Phone or in-person interviews may be required

The position will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The DFS Intern Coordinator will be responsible for contacting successful candidates with start dates, orientation materials, and credentials.

Timeline

Internships are typically offered on a semester basis. Early applications are accepted. The duration of the internship may be extended into the following semester based on the intern’s performance and/or length of time needed to complete the project. To be selected for a specific semester, applications must be submitted by the following dates:

Summer Internships        Due by March 1

Fall Internships                 Due by July 1

Spring Internships            Due by November 1

Internships typically span the following timeline:

Summer                           May – August

Fall                                   September – December

Spring                              January – May

All interns/volunteers are expected to provide a presentation of their internship to DFS staff at the culmination of the internship.

Housing

The Department of Forensic Sciences does not offer housing to students in the program. If selected, the candidate will be responsible for his/her own housing. Below are nearby properties that may offer (summer) housing to students:

American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-8247

George Washington University
2350 H Street, NW Suite 107
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-6883