2026 Fall Internship / SSB / FSD / Grand Rapids Laboratory

About the role

A semester-long internship with the Grand Rapids Forensic Laboratory will offer exposure to multiple disciplines of forensic science. The program will expose students to evidence handling, chain of custody, and the specific functions of each discipline to demonstrate how those processes aid in criminal investigations.

Responsibilities

• Provide a detailed overview of the laboratory analyses conducted by the discipline.
• Introduce all members of the discipline and discuss their role(s) within the unit.
• Discuss applicable safety considerations of the discipline.
• Demonstrate examples of the various analyses conducted within the discipline through casework observations and/or mock examples.
• Review previous cases that demonstrate how the specific type of forensic evidence has aided investigations.
• Explain and demonstrate the use of databases, where applicable.

Requirements

• College junior or senior with a degree track in a natural or physical science.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Citizen of the United States at the time of application (International students with a valid student visa are also eligible to apply).
• Valid operator’s or chauffeur’s license without restrictions (except corrective lenses).
• No history of criminal convictions or excessive civil infraction violations.
• Ability to pass a controlled substances screening.
• Completed the Hepatitis B vaccination series by the start of the program.
• Ability to pass a fingerprint check.
• Comply with a confidentiality agreement.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a undergraduate or graduate program.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

The internship program will be without monetary inducement and for academic class credit in accordance with LOM 1.13 (Interns and Volunteers).

PayThis internship does not provide monetary compensation.

Schedule

The academic schedule of the selected candidates will be taken into consideration when determining the internship schedule. Candidates can expect to dedicate 8-12 hours per week to the program.

Discipline Observation Objectives

Provide a detailed overview of the laboratory analyses conducted by the discipline. Introduce all members of the discipline and discuss their role(s) within the unit. Discuss applicable safety considerations of the discipline. Demonstrate examples of the various analyses conducted within the discipline through casework observations and/or mock examples. Review previous cases that demonstrate how the specific type of forensic evidence has aided investigations. Explain and demonstrate the use of databases, where applicable.

Internship Program Schedule

1. Week 1 – Evidence Receiving / Laboratory Orientation / Laboratory Safety and Security
2. Week 2 – Crime Scene Response Team Exercises
3. Week 3 – Trace Evidence Unit Observations
4. Week 4 – Controlled Substances Unit Observations
5. Week 5 – Firearms and Toolmarks Unit Observations
6. Week 6 – Body Fluid identification Unit Observations
7. Week 7 – DNA Unit Observations
8. Week 8 – Latent Print Unit Observations
9. Week 9 – Case Capstone Project / Mock Interview Practice
10. Week 10 – Case Capstone Presentation / Feedback Survey

Case Capstone Presentation Guidelines

The presentation will summarize either a case study or active research within the field of forensic science. The intern will summarize the topic and discuss potential implications within the various units of the Grand Rapids Forensic Laboratory and/or the field of forensic science as a whole. The observing panel will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback at the conclusion of the presentation.

Official Transcripts

As part of the application process, please upload an unofficial or official copy as an attachment. If offered an internship opportunity with the State of Michigan an official copy will be requested.

Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.