Next Generation Sequencing Analysis of Forensic Markers
NIST is developing NGS-based forensic tools for improved human ID, ancestry/phenotype prediction, and microbe identification in criminal investigations.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $82,764 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; 2-year term appointments at NIST.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research at NIST developing next generation sequencing (NGS) assays, bioinformatics, and data interpretation models for forensic applications including human identification and microbe strain analysis.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree earned within the last 5 years; applications require prior contact with NIST advisers; NIST participates in February and August review cycles only.
Description
This fellowship opportunity is offered by the Applied Genetics Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the NRC Research Associateship Programs. It focuses on advancing forensic science through the development and testing of next generation sequencing (NGS) assays targeting forensic markers. NGS, also known as Massively Parallel Sequencing, has transformed molecular genetics and clinical diagnostics and is now being applied to forensic investigations.
Research projects supported by this fellowship aim to:
- Improve human identification capabilities.
- Predict unknown individuals’ ancestry, hair and eye color, and age.
- Develop non-human forensic applications such as microbial strain identification relevant to bioterrorism cases.
- Create bioinformatic methods and data interpretation models tailored for forensic use.
The fellowship provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading scientists in forensic genetics.
