Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). It involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this role will perform technical work supporting collaborations with academic researchers on projects of mutual interest.

Artificial Intelligence for Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Analysis

The Sensor Science Division at NIST is seeking a researcher to advance the application and scientific understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) in forensic firearm and toolmark analysis. The researcher will develop, evaluate, and characterize AI/ML methods to improve the objectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy of toolmark pattern evidence analysis. This will include addressing transparency, robustness, bias, and developing guidelines for training and validation datasets, model performance, uncertainty, and operational limitations, as well as interpreting model decision‑making processes.

• Develop a forward‑looking research program on AI/ML in forensic firearm and toolmark analysis and collaborate on cross‑cutting techniques for other types of pattern evidence.
• Lead the development of a computational pipeline for consistent segmentation of toolmark images using AI/ML methods.
• Investigate AI/ML application to address major challenges such as characterizing toolmark quality and direct comparison of toolmark images.
• Benchmark AI/ML‑assisted results against procedural algorithms and traditional human examinations to identify significant improvements in objectivity and efficiency.
• Quantify uncertainty of AI/ML outputs to ensure objective communication of evidence strength in courtroom testimony; explore explainable AI frameworks to inform examiners on influential features.
• Collaborate with the forensic community to translate findings into actionable standards and best‑practice guides.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in computer science, physics, engineering, statistics, forensic science, or a closely related field.
• Research experience in the development and application of AI/ML for image analysis.
• Proficiency with Python or MATLAB.
• Evidence of independent research experience and strong enthusiasm for learning new theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship preferred.

The Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre‑employment background check including education verification.