Forensic Science Fellow

Pa IP Mission: The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is non-profit law firm dedicated to exonerating those
who have been convicted of crimes they did not commit and preventing innocent people from being
convicted.

Position Overview: The Forensic Science Fellow is a new 2-year non-renewing position with the Project.
The Fellow will be responsible for following developing issues in forensic sciences, coordinating Project
efforts to locate and submit physical evidence for modern scientific testing, identifying cases where
applied forensic science may have been unreliable, and developing protocols for the Project to quickly
identify, screen, and litigate cases involving forensic science.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate Requests for Physical Evidence and Testing: Coordinate efforts to locate and
submit physical evidence for modern scientific testing; follow through with requests to
Commonwealth or federal agencies for evidence in existence; arrange for evaluation of evidence
to determine whether additional testing is appropriate and what type of testing should be done;
establish protocols for all Pennsylvania agencies and jurisdictions dealing with evidence
retention; create an inventory of evidence storage places/policies around the state.

2. Case Review and Development: Review cases pending with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project
to identify those containing an element of forensic science; evaluate the science presented at
trial to determine whether the area and/or testimony meet modern scientific standards; work
with area experts to determine resources needed to evaluate trial evidence or re-test existing
physical evidence.

3. Education: Assist Legal Director and Executive Director in creating and presenting educational
programs for judiciary, attorneys, law enforcement, legislators, and other stakeholders on the
issues related to forensic science testimony and use in criminal cases and on post-conviction
matters.