On a limited basis, the KBI is offering unpaid internships to further the mission of the laboratory. The internship can be part of a university's practicum experience or a student's independent career-building initiative. Priority will be given to practicum students working towards a degree relevant to the field.

Internships for university students provide future forensic scientists the opportunity to experience an ISO accredited laboratory and contribute to the field of forensic science through research projects. The various benefits of an internship at the KBI include the following:

• Learn relevant methods practiced in the forensic science disciplines
• Contribute to the work performed by the forensic science laboratory
• Network with KBI forensic scientists and law enforcement professionals
• Participate in a meaningful career-related experience
• Explore various forensic science disciplines and focus future career options
• Increase post-graduate marketability

**Due to confidentiality concerns and the nature of the work, the KBI Forensic Science Laboratory does not offer crime scene internships or arrangements consisting solely of shadowing. Additionally, the number of internships, project disciplines, and locations are limited and will fluctuate depending on availability.

	Topeka	Great Bend	Kansas City	Pittsburg
Biology/DNA or DNA Databank	Yes	*As Available	No	n/a
Chemistry	Yes	*As Available	n/a	*As Available
Crime Scene Response	No	No	No	No
Digital Evidence	Yes	n/a	n/a	n/a
Firearms / Toolmarks	Yes	n/a	No	n/a
Latent Prints	Yes	Yes	n/a	n/a
Toxicology	Yes	n/a	n/a	n/a
Trace	Yes	n/a	n/a	n/a

*The KBI has four laboratory locations throughout the State of Kansas. Not all disciplines are represented at each of the laboratories. Depending on requests and staffing, internships in specific disciplines may be fulfilled in one of the satellite laboratory locations.

Interns must meet the following criteria:

• Upper level student (junior, senior, or graduate student) status at an accredited institution of higher education
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Enrolled during the semester student plans to intern
• Appropriate degree and section-specific requirements for the discipline

Apply for Internship

The KBI Forensic Science Laboratory Internship Program provides opportunities throughout the year, depending on staffing and other resources. To ensure consideration, all applications should be submitted by the following deadlines. Late applications will not be accepted.

• Summer Internship: February 1
• Fall Internship: May 1
• Spring Internship: October 1

In order to be considered for participation in the program, the following items must be completed and submitted. Applications will not be considered complete until all documents have been received by the Internship Committee.

• Internship request
• Letter of interest
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Written recommendation letter from advisor and/or professor at institution
• University transcript(s)

Required forms and documents can be submitted to the KBI Forensic Science Laboratory Internship Committee at lab_internship@kbi.ks.gov.

** After initial application reviews, applicants may be scheduled for an interview with a panel consisting of personnel from the discipline(s) for which the applicant has applied. Selected applicants will receive a conditional offer and proceed to the polygraph and background investigation process.

Download Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pdf

View Disqualifiers

Candidates who receive a conditional offer will also receive additional forms and a pre-employment background packet which must be completed and returned by a designated date. The background packet includes detailed residence history, work history, relatives, and any criminal or drug history.

While the KBI considers the circumstances in many areas regarding a candidate's background, there are disqualifiers that will preclude applicants from consideration.

If no concerns are noted in the background packet, the candidate will be scheduled for a polygraph. The polygraph may last approximately four hours and is designed to ensure the candidate has been truthful in their representation of their personal history.

If the candidate passes the polygraph, they will be scheduled for a background investigation. A special investigator will review all of the background material and talk to neighbors, current and prior employers, and others as necessary to determine that the candidate meets the background requirements of the KBI.

** After successful completion of the background process, the candidate will receive a final offer for an internship position. A start date and schedule will be determined at that time. The candidate will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to starting the internship.

Throughout the internship the following must be met:

• Intern will report to the selected discipline for, at minimum, 180 hours per semester. Schedule will be determined upon acceptance.
• Mentor will review performance regularly and provide feedback to the intern per a written assessment.
• Intern will keep a daily log of activities and provide a written assessment of the internship experience.
• Internship coordinator will review the activities and reports for all internships.
• One-on-one evaluations will be executed midway and at the completion of the internship.
• Intern will prepare a summary of the internship project in the form of a written report or presentation at the conclusion of the internship.

Additionally, the internship coordinator may ask for feedback from the participants to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the program.

For general questions about the internship program, please contact the internship committee at lab_internship@kbi.ks.gov.