Internship Opportunities
Real-World Experience (Doggedly) Chasing Justice
If you are passionate about the intersection of science, law, and justice, we want to hear from you. At the Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences (CIFS), interns play a meaningful role in our work to strengthen the reliability of forensic evidence in the criminal justice system. Whether your background is in the sciences or in law, you will find opportunities here to develop real skills alongside a dedicated team that cares deeply about getting it right.
We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds and experience levels. Our internship program is designed to be both challenging and supportive, giving you the chance to contribute to substantive work while growing as a professional. Review the opportunities below to learn more about available positions, what we look for in candidates, and how to apply. We look forward to learning about you.
Research Internship Position
CIFS seeks an independent and detail-oriented individual for a remote, volunteer Forensic Science Research Assistant Internship.
Overview
This is an excellent opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Research Director, researching forensic science to aid in education and reform in the legal system.
Experience
We seek a candidate with knowledge or interest in forensic science, an ability to read dense materials (court transcripts, peer-reviewed articles, legal opinions, etc.), and at least some research experience (classroom assignments acceptable). The intern will work with peer-reviewed studies, expert witness reports, and qualitative court transcript data. This internship will provide experience in data collection, communication, and research. Interns will also be exposed to criminal justice reform and advocacy.
Benefits
Because CIFS is an emerging organization, this internship is offered on a volunteer basis only, though school credit is available if needed. Therefore, the internship is designed to be educational and practical.
Roles
The intern will:
Increase personal and professional knowledge of forensic science and research
Experience working with a 501c3 research organization
Research and draft educational materials for defense attorneys
Code court transcripts, peer-reviewed literature, and/or legal opinions
Learn about the validity of certain forensic science disciplines
Working knowledge of Google Suite
Ability to provide own computer and stable internet access for duration of internship
Willingness to sign and abide by confidentiality agreement due to working with sensitive information
Experience, education, or interest in forensic science
Ability to think critically
Experience reading dense materials (technical reports, court transcripts, peer-reviewed literature)
Desire to improve research skills
Requirements
Considerations
The internship is unpaid and available immediately. CIFS can help interns obtain college credit, if available from your school. Liberal arts, criminal justice, psychology, and public affairs majors are encouraged to apply, as well as anyone who wishes to branch into the research field.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences is an equal opportunity employer and strives for diversity among its applicants as well as within its staff and board. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, especially racial, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and smart people with non-linear/non-traditional experience and educational backgrounds to apply for this position. Most importantly, no matter their background, the person selected for this position must embrace, advocate for, and deeply value equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Testimonials from past CIFS interns
"While at CIFS, I developed a database of forensic science reforms across the United States. Now, I'm a paralegal for the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C. preparing for law school."
— Eben Beh, CIFS Intern 2024
“During the four summers I interned at CIFS, I completed projects across multiple disciplines within forensic science. My work included analyzing research articles and case transcripts on firearms, transfer DNA, and Shaken Baby Syndrome. I organized this information for legal use, which taught me how to interpret casework and reinforced my understanding of forensic ethics. My time at CIFS introduced me to a broader perspective on forensics and its impact on people’s lives. I am now a Firearms Examiner in training for the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, where I can apply the foundational knowledge I learned during my internship. The resources and experience I gained continue to support my training in forensic firearms.”
— Kate Rault, CIFS Intern 2021 - 2025Apply Online
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