Job Opportunity for Associate – Research (Forensics) at NLU Delhi in New Delhi

The National Law University, Delhi (‘University’) through Project 39A (P39A) is seeking to engage, on a contractual basis, one Associate-Research (Forensics) at its campus in Dwarka, New Delhi. The contract will be for one year initially and can be extended on an annual basis at the discretion of the University. The Associate will be responsible for working on research and litigation related to forensic science carried out by P39A.

About Project 39A:

Project 39A (hereinafter ‘P39A’) draws inspiration from Article 39-A in the Indian Constitution on equal justice and signals the broadening of our work on the criminal justice system in India. We undertake litigation, research and outreach relating to forensics, torture, legal aid, forensic psychiatry and death penalty (for more information on P39A, visit www.project39a.com).

Position:

Over the last decade, the use of forensic evidence within the criminal justice system in India has increased tremendously. While this development has been an encouraging move towards conducting more scientific investigations, its implementation has been poor. Currently, there is no legislative framework to regulate the functioning of forensic laboratories in India or enforce any quality standards.

This leads to variance in practices adopted by investigative agencies and forensic laboratories in different states. Our work on forensics seeks to promote the use of scientifically valid and reliable forensic evidence for the purposes of criminal investigation and prosecution. Through empirical research, legal intervention, and capacity building of different stakeholders, the forensics team at P39A is committed to developing and advocating for a nuanced understanding of forensic science, and its practice in India. In light of this background, the Associate-Research (Forensics) is expected to undertake the following:

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct research on issues relating to forensic science and its practice in India.

2. Conduct research on methods, processes and technical standards for examination of different types of forensic evidence followed in government forensic science laboratories in India and compare them with internationally recognised standards and best practices.

3. Conceptualise and carry out scientific audits on the practice of different forensic science disciplines in India, including research on best practices being followed in other jurisdictions.

4. Participate in consultations and workshops, and develop materials aimed towards familiarising legal professionals in India with the processes and issues involved in different disciplines within forensic science.

5. Develop curriculums and materials for different training programs for various stakeholders such as judges, lawyers and students on different forensic science disciplines and expert evidence.

6. Devise strategy and arguments on cases involving forensic evidence which are handled by P39A and carry out related research.

7. Engage with various criminal justice system stakeholders including forensic pathologists, forensic medicine experts and forensic scientists working in government and private organisations in India.

8. Engage with functionaries in the central and state governments as part of the P39A’s research efforts.

9. Work with the communications team at P39A to develop materials (articles, podcasts, vodcasts, etc) for effective dissemination of our forensic work and to create awareness about forensic practices.

10. Any other work that may be necessary to further the aims of the P39A.

Qualifications:

1. Graduate with any degree in Forensic Science.

2. Candidates holding a masters or doctoral degree in Forensic Sciences would be preferred.

3. Prior experience of working with government or private forensic science laboratories or institutions, within or outside India, would be desirable.

4. Basic knowledge about the Indian criminal justice system would be desirable.

5. This is a full-time position based in New Delhi.

Compensation: The compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Process: Interested persons may send their resumé and a statement of purpose, explaining their interest in working on issues relating to the practice, administration and law relating to forensic science in India and the contribution that they see themselves making through this position. The statement of purpose must not exceed 750 words.

The résumé and statement of purpose has to be sent by filling the form below and attaching the relevant documents.

Deadline: Applications must reach us no later than 30 June, 2022 after which the applications will not be accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will be informed latest by 4 July, 2022. Written test and interview of the shortlisted candidates will be conducted between 5 – 10 July 2022. Exact dates for will be announced closer to the date.

Note:

1. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via e-mail. If you do not hear from us within one(1) week after the deadline, please assume that your application has not succeeded. Unfortunately, we cannot reply to individual queries about the status of applications.

2. National Law University, Delhi is an equal opportunity employer and P39A ensures access to legal representation for prisoners regardless of the offence.

3. National Law University, Delhi reserves the right to not fill the position or vary the number of positions vacant for this call. Also, we shall be unable to cover the costs of attending interviews.

4. National Law University, Delhi reserves the right to conduct additional rounds of interviews or written tests.

5. The position shall be paid under the grants received by P39A, National Law University, Delhi.

6. For any query , please contact at 011- 28032533 or e-mail at p39a@nludelhi.ac.in.