As the US national measurement laboratory, NIST provides leading-edge technology and standards to support the forensic and homeland security measurement communities. The scope for innovative investigations in forensic chemical measurements is wide, but currently includes such applications as determination of cannabis intoxication via breath metabolites, active agent determination of marijuana components, development of vapor measurement technology and canine training aid materials for opioids and improvised explosives, targeted and non-targeted screening of bulk samples and trace residues, and characterization of emerging synthetic opioids, cathinones, and cannabinoids by MS, low- and high-field NMR, FTIR and Raman. Available analytical equipment for these investigations includes LC-MS, GC-MS, automated SPME, IMS-MS, low- and high-field NMR, FTIR and Raman. The ultimate goal of these investigations is to add a new dimension to forensic evidence evaluations based on quantitative measurements, increasing reliability and defensibility in the courtroom.

 

 

key words

Drugs, Opioids, Explosives; Forensics; Cannabinoids; Homeland Security; Trace evidence;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants