Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Forensic Services - 2027 Summer Internship

2027 Summer Internship Program The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Forensic Services mission is to pursue justice and ensure a safer Colorado by providing impartial, high-quality, and timely forensic science services to criminal justice agencies throughout the state. Operating state-of-the-art laboratories across Colorado — including facilities in Denver, Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo — CBI Forensic Services supports the investigation and prosecution of crimes by adhering to the highest standards of scientific integrity, accreditation, and quality assurance. The CBI Forensic Services Unit encompasses multiple scientific disciplines — including Chemistry, Digital Media, Biology (DNA & Serology), Firearms, Footwear/Tire Tracks, Latent Prints, Quality, Toxicology, and Trace — delivering reliable analytical results and expert testimony to ensure justice and public safety for all Colorado communities. About the 2027 Summer Internship Program This unpaid internship offers a supportive, hands-on learning environment where students can apply their academic scientific knowledge to real-world forensic casework and laboratory quality operations. Interns will gain practical experience in an accredited forensic laboratory setting, expand their professional networks, participate in professional development, and develop a portfolio of experience that supports future careers in forensic science and the criminal justice system. While internships begin in the summer, there may be a potential for extension into the fall depending on intern availability, the particular project on which they're working, and CBI Forensic Services organizational needs. We do not offer winter or spring internships. Work Environment Location: Internship opportunities may be available at one or more of our laboratory facilities within the state, which are located in Denver/Arvada, Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo. Format: 100% on-site attendance at a CBI laboratory facility. Timeframe: Early June start date with a minimum of 7 weeks, and an intern's last day dependent upon their availability and return to school. Commitment: Between 8 and 40 hours per week (or as required by academic institution/program guidelines). The schedule is relatively flexible, but must be within CBI Forensic Services core hours. Core Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Expenses: This internship is unpaid. Students are responsible for all travel and housing accommodations and expenses incurred during the selection and background process as well as the internship. Expectations: Interns are expected to maintain confidentiality, follow appropriate safety protocols and CBI procedures, work with integrity and professionalism, communicate appropriately, and collaborate with others. Interns must maintain thorough documentation of research conducted, and present their findings to CBI Forensic Services personnel at the conclusion of their internship. Internship Opportunities Laboratory Disciplines: Interns will gain practical laboratory skills and professional experience by supporting forensic scientists and analysts with preliminary screening, instrument maintenance, and general laboratory support tasks across various scientific disciplines, without directly handling evidentiary items. Quality Assurance & Administration: Interns may assist with document control and record-keeping, audit preparation, proficiency test tracking, and quality management tasks to support accreditation standards. Special Projects: Interns will work on assigned projects, conduct laboratory research, and participate in activities tailored to forensic science and laboratory operations. Professional Development: Interns will be given various professional development and networking opportunities when available, such as training courses, participation in laboratory and discipline meetings, court testimony and mock court observations, etc. What You'll Gain Hands-on laboratory experience working in an accredited operational forensic science laboratory. Exposure to professional career pathways and different disciplines within forensic science. Training related to safety, quality assurance, ethics, bias, evidence management and document control systems, job skills, court procedures, and more. Mentorship and collaboration with experienced forensic scientists, technicians, and our Quality Unit team. Professional development and skill-building opportunities tailored to forensic science. We encourage current science students eager to build real-world laboratory experience, develop professional skills, and explore careers in forensic science to apply!