Forensic Anthropologist - The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Join the HJF Team!

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

HJF is seeking a Forensic Anthropologist to provide professional and scientific assistance. This position will be part of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Lab Support Services. The DPAA is the US Department of Defense Agency responsible for the recovery and identification of fallen US service members from WWII to the gulf war. Its mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting of missing personnel to their families and the nation. To accomplish this, the DPAA executes recovery missions worldwide, and recovered material is analyzed in the state-of-the-art DPAA laboratory.

• Demonstrate experience in osteological analysis.
• Inventory human remains and associated faunal and material evidence.
• Properly handle remains from the cleaning stage to the final layout of the remains in the anatomically correct position for efficient analysis.
• Nominate remains for DNA testing.
• Prepare professional-level reports for submission to higher authorities detailing analytical findings.
• Performs forensic anthropological research and tests; interprets data resulting from forensic anthropological, archaeological, odontological, or isotopic tests in the laboratory or from outside sources.
• Conducts evidence database searches to address specific research problems; and provide expert review of research papers and proposals, case reports, and identification report packets.
• Performs radiographic image capture of postmortem remains using sensitive laboratory equipment; conducts comparisons between antemortem and postmortem imagery.
• Conducts segregation analyses of commingled human remains projects and produces Reports of Segregation and Reports of Association including, but not limited to:
  • Assessing potential pair matches (visually and statistically), interpreting DNA results, nominating samples for additional testing, and associating remains to unidentified service members.
• Completes reports and other assignments in a timely manner and with minimal errors (attention to assigned suspense date).
• Effectively peer reviewing reports in a timely manner (attention to suspense date).
• Completes preliminary skeletal and dental reports; generates written forensic comparison reports.
• Maintains continuing education per SOP requirements (e.g. conference attendance, in house training, etc.).
• Maintains competency via successful proficiency exams.
• Assists with evidence movement duties (internal and external): packaging evidence, labeling evidence containers, and perform evidence transactions in StarLIMS or other programs as required by the lead evidence coordinator.
• Supports various laboratory duties (second review of case packets; laboratory tours, internal auditing).
• Participates in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, presentations, and lectures based on research results.
• Demonstrate a highly organized, detail-oriented, and precise approach to recording analytical results and findings.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 5+ years of experience with generating a biological profile or writing technical reports.
• Expert knowledge in human skeletal anatomy.
• Demonstrated experience in osteological analysis and generating a biological profile, including ancestry.
• 2+ years of professional work experience in a forensic anthropology laboratory setting or equivalent combination of similar education and experience.
• Experience in radiographic analyses in a forensic laboratory is beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated experience/familiarity with ForDisc.

Physical Capabilities 

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment 

•  Takes place in a typical laboratory environment.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree required. PhD preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable.  Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.