Optimising Opportunities for Victim Identification in Complex Mass Fatality Incidents

This PhD Scholarship is offered by the newly established Forensic Research Institute (FORRI) at Liverpool John Moores University. It is led by Dr Julie Roberts, a Chartered Forensic Anthropologist, with over 25 years of practitioner experience in the excavation and identification of human remains from crime scenes and mass fatality incidents. Co-supervisors Dr Rui Martiniano and Professor Joel Irish are leading experts in the fields of ancient DNA and bioarchaeology.

Mass fatality incidents such as war crimes, air-crashes, and migrant deaths, often present challenges in terms of human identification. This is particularly true where victim’s remains are heavily disrupted, burnt, decomposed, contaminated, or commingled. Human identification is a fundamental human right, and where missing relatives are believed to be deceased, but this cannot be confirmed, families can suffer from prolonged and agonising ambiguous loss. Inability to identify victims can also impede criminal investigations, such as those relating to war crimes and human trafficking.

In collaboration with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), this research aims to improve identification rates in disasters where victims’ remains are severely compromised. By analysis of global data, the successful candidate will explore which tissue types contain the most DNA and are best able to withstand degradation. They will also conduct experimental work to test the application of ancient DNA methods and protocols on samples which have been modified by burning, contamination and decomposition.

A primary objective of the research is to develop a standardised system for visually screening burnt and decomposed remains in the field and mortuary, which will assist the practitioner in deciding whether body parts are suitable for DNA analysis. In conjunction with this, protocols will be established for the utilisation of ancient DNA techniques to identify individuals from highly degraded samples in mass fatality incidents.  

Tangible output from the research will include the production of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for triaging disrupted and burnt remains in large scale disasters or hostile situations where targeted approaches and strategic sampling are required. The SOPs will also provide operational guidance on how to minimise cross contamination and damage to remains during rapid recoveries.

Eligibility Requirements:

We are seeking a highly motivated, emotionally mature individual with good analytical skills. Academic requirements include a first degree and / or master’s degree in a relevant subject, e.g. forensic anthropology, genetics, biological anthropology or bioarchaeology. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Subject specific training and opportunities will include:

• International travel and study visits to the ICMP laboratory in the Hague.
• Laboratory training in anthropological methods used in the recovery and examination of burnt, commingled, and decomposed remains.
• Practical instruction in ancient DNA extraction and library preparation methods, next-generation sequencing data processing, population genetics/forensic analysis and interpretation.
• A comprehensive transferable skills development programme via the LJMU researcher development programme

Supervisors:

• Supervisor 1: Dr Julie Roberts
• Supervisor 2: Dr Rui Leite Portela Martiniano
• Supervisor 3: Professor Joel Irish
• PARTNER: International Commission on Missing Persons

Subject Areas: DISASTER VICTIM IDENTIFICATION, GENETICS, FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY, FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGY

Application Deadline: 1st October 2024

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please email Dr Julie Roberts for more information j.a.roberts@ljmu.ac.uk. Applicants should email a CV, covering letter detailing their suitability for the project and contact details of two referees to: FORRI@ljmu.ac.uk

Applicants must be available for an online interview on 23^rd October 2024.