Forensic Anthropologist – Postdoctoral Research Associate

SNA International, a world leader in forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence, is currently looking for a Forensic Anthropologist – Postdoctoral Research Associate.

The Forensic Anthropologist – Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct anthropological analysis to assist the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in the identification of remains, including those from large commingled assemblages, of U.S. service members lost during past conflicts and will provide professional, scientific leadership to a team engaged in forensic and biological anthropological studies and investigations.

Minimum Requirements:  

• Ph.D. in anthropology, or a related field
• Expert knowledge in human skeletal anatomy
• Demonstrated experience in osteological analysis and generating a biological profile, including ancestry
• Experience with forensic materials or in a forensic laboratory is beneficial but not required
• Experience in radiographic analyses in a forensic laboratory is beneficial but not required
• Demonstrated experience/familiarity with ForDisc
• Proficient in MS Word, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat

NOTE: The selected candidate must pass a competency examination within 90 days of the start date. Please plan in advance as requests for personal leave will not be considered (unless an emergency situation or some extenuating circumstances require the leave) until competency is passed. 

Critical Work Responsibilities:

• Conducting osteological/anthropological analyses and producing Forensic Anthropology Reports including, but not limited to:
  • Cleaning and processing remains
  • Discerning human, non-human, and non-osseous specimens
  • Determining the minimum number of individuals
  • Nominating samples for DNA and/or histology
  • Assessing biological profiles (sex, age, ancestry, stature) of individuals from skeletal elements
  • Photographing and, when necessary, radiographing remains or other evidence
  • Identifying perimortem/antemortem trauma, taphonomy, pathology, and other general observations, where applicable
  • Identifying non-evidentiary and non-probative materials
• 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
  • 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 reviews 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 performing 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.
• Protects organization’s value by keeping information confidential
• Follows all client policies and procedures
• Performs other duties and conduct special projects as needed
• Travel nationally and internationally, if required (travel anticipated to be approximately 5-10% of the time)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Has strong pattern recognition skills
• Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills
• Possess the ability to work well under pressure
• Possess strong written and communication skills
• Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat
• A demonstrated history of initiative and achievement
• Experience working independently with minimal direction or supervision
• Experience supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills
• Experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities
• Self-motivated, detailed-oriented, and organized
• Able to work well independently, as well as in a team environment
• Strong written and communication skills
• Competencies required: Osseous/Forensic Anthropology Report (FAR); Commingled Human Remains (CHR)

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to access information using a computer for up to 4 hours at a time
• Requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time
• Possible exposure to noxious odors, hazardous chemicals, poisons, radioisotopes, corrosive reagents, infectious tissue, and X-ray, laser, and ultraviolet rays

Interested Foreign Nationals:

Foreign Nationals may be considered for this position.  All foreign nationals must be able to demonstrate that they have lived in the United States for 3 of the past 5 years and have a US Social Security Number.  These requirements must be met in order to move forward with the application process.

Please submit a cover letter along with your CV. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.

SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.