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.

This position will be in support of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. 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 sends out organic and partner investigation and recovery missions worldwide, and recovered material is analyzed in the state-of-the-art DPAA laboratory. 

HJF is seeking a Historical Archaeologist research support to provide high level, archaeological analysis, research, and reports regarding specific investigative and recovery proposals for field work and related data management. To develop a range of historical and archaeological reports based on research in the their area of expertise and consistent with DPAA standards and formats.

• Provides professional archaeological analysis and produces proposals for field work utilizing a variety of materials associated with covered conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean Conflict and World War II.
• Serves as an expert in fundamental spatial concepts for assessing, visualizing, and managing data using software, such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Surfer and GoogleEarthPro.
• Synthesizes various data sources – to include historical documentation, geospatial information, and archaeological reports – to comprehensively inform field activities related to recovering the remains of service members from past conflicts.
• Deploys as directed, to both foreign and domestic locations, which may include remote, isolated, and/or austere environments.
• Follow DPAA policies and procedures to serve as a historical archaeologist to conduct research and draft reports to support case progression.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive data is recorded in accordance with DPAA policies and procedures, and all reports meet DPAA standards.
• Provide comprehensive archaeological support for projects that may include a specific geographic or topical focus, such as battlefields, underwater cases, or foundational case research.
• Provide support for mission planning and future operations scope, to include geospatial and imagery analysis for case development.
• Comply with all DPAA requirements for reporting and coordinating all plans and results through all appropriate channels.
• Work directly and independently with clients.
• Completes recurring duties independently, but refers deviations, problems, or unfamiliar situations to the supervisor for assistance.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge in designing, directing and supervising all phases of archaeological projects to include Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III archaeological processes, mapping methods and techniques.
• Demonstrated experience implementing multi-phase, complex archaeological projects with a geospatial component, such as battlefield archaeology.
• Ability to design and implement analyses of a variety of materials – to include historic records and past reporting – associated with DPAA’s mandate to identify mission service members from past conflicts, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean Conflict and World War II.
• At least four months of supervisory field and analytic experience in general archaeology.
• Comprehensive knowledge of remote-sensing, mapping, probing, coring, and test excavation methods/techniques.
• Expert in fundamental spatial concepts for assessing, visualizing, and managing data using software, such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Surfer, and GoogleEarthPro.
• Comprehensive knowledge of best practices in forensic and archaeological laboratory analysis procedures.
• Expert knowledge of artifact and material evidence analysis to include identifying circumstantial and direct evidence supporting casualty identifications.
• Ability to write, implement, and follow standard operating procedures.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to successfully communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Experience supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills.
• Experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities.
• Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills.
• Possess the ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and work well under pressure.
• Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat

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 0-5 years of experience

HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will 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)