PhD scholarship opportunity: Evaluation of shedder phenomenon in forensic science

This project will be in collaboration with Forensic Science South Australia and Victoria Police Forensic Services Department and will focus on design and optimisation of shedder tests for use in criminal investigations and the collection of the shedder distribution population data. This project is in support by an ARC Linkage Grant.

Project Background

Approximately half of the DNA samples currently submitted for forensic DNA analysis in Australia are termed trace or touch samples. In 2020 over 62% of all DNA samples processed at Forensic Science SA were trace DNA. Touch DNA is where the biological material is deemed to have been deposited from a person’s skin, often their hands, when contacting an object. The individual differences in the amounts deposited during a touch are a consequence of the ‘shedder’ phenomenon. When a person holds a knife, drives a vehicle, wears clothing or accessories, or carries an object, their DNA can be left behind. Touch DNA is now routinely collected from timing devices in terror activity, weapons used in assaults and homicides, clothing collected from sex offences, surfaces touched during break-ins, etc. 

Hands are also a medium for the collection of DNA from others (non-self), leading to the potential for the prevalence and transfer of cells and DNA from persons unrelated to an event to the target surface. Consideration of the mode of deposition, or how the DNA ended up at the collection point, forms part of activity level evaluation and is reliant on adequate DNA-Transfer Prevalence Persistence Recovery data. However, the scientific knowledge and data required to perform activity level evaluation (of which shedder status is one of the key variables) are currently limited, affecting the robustness of opinions provided to the courts. This has led to a number of high-profile organisations recognising the urgent need to address this issue. Knowledge of the shedder status of the person of interest can have significant implications on the evaluation of the DNA results in a forensic case, which could ultimately affect the finding of guilt or innocence. This project aims to address these issues in a number of ways.

Proposed approach:

• AIM 1: Develop a rapid and reliable shedder propensity test for use by scientists when evaluating touch DNA evidence for legal arbiters.
• AIM 2: Develop representative population data sets on (a) DNA contribution of self and non-self DNA to touch samples and (b) shedder distribution in the population by utilising methods from Aim 1.

The candidate will complete PhD candidature with supervision and close collaboration with the industry partner teams. This will enable you to develop your network, gain insight into the everyday casework practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation.

This PhD Scholarship offers:

1. $34 000 per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years (full-time).
2. Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision.
3. A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.
4. The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.
5. Funded opportunity to travel to international conferences to present research findings 
6. A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career.

To be eligible for a PhD Scholarship you will need:

• To be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, a Master Degree, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months; and
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (e.g .have or be able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check).

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Honours/Masters degree in any science field 
• Interest in working with an industry partner.
• Demonstrated professional writing skills