Forensic Anthropologist - Postgraduate Research Associate

SNA International; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SNA International seeks a detail‑oriented Forensic Anthropologist Postgraduate Research Associate to join the DPAA team in Hawaii. This 100% onsite role involves osteological analyses, reporting, and data interpretation to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts.

The position requires a master’s in anthropology, 5 years of biological profiling experience, and 2 years in a forensic anthropology lab. Travel may be necessary to support research and reporting.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in anthropology or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience with generating a biological profile or writing technical reports.
• Two (2) years of professional work experience in a forensic anthropology laboratory setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts osteological/anthropological analyses and produces 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 trauma, taphonomy, pathology and other observations; Identifying non-evidentiary materials.
• Performs forensic anthropological research and tests; interprets data from forensic anthropological, archaeological, odontological, or isotopic tests.
• Performs radiographic image capture of postmortem remains; conducts comparisons between antemortem and postmortem imagery.
• Completes reports and other assignments on schedule; peer reviews reports in a timely manner; maintains proficiency per SOPs.

Skills

Biological profile creation

Forensic anthropology analysis

Osteological analysis

Ancestry determination

Report writing

Education

Master’s degree in anthropology

Tools

StarLIMS

ForDisc

Job description

DescriptionSNA International, a world leader in forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence, is currently looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Forensic Anthropologist Postgraduate Research Associate with a strong work ethic to join the DPAA team in Hawaii. SNA International’s team works together in pursuit of the same cause: to build a safe and just world by empowering organizations in the use of forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence.

DescriptionSNA International, a world leader in forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence, is currently looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Forensic Anthropologist Postgraduate Research Associate with a strong work ethic to join the DPAA team in Hawaii. SNA International’s team works together in pursuit of the same cause: to build a safe and just world by empowering organizations in the use of forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence.

DescriptionSNA International, a world leader in forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence, is currently looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Forensic Anthropologist Postgraduate Research Associate with a strong work ethic to join the DPAA team in Hawaii. SNA International’s team works together in pursuit of the same cause: to build a safe and just world by empowering organizations in the use of forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence. The Forensic Anthropologist Postgraduate Research Associate supports the Department of Defense’s personnel accounting efforts by conducting technical and scientific analysis, forensic testing, and providing associated reports at the expert level in order to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts.

• This is a 100% onsite position at the DPAA laboratory in Hawaii.

Critical Work Responsibilities

• Conducts osteological/anthropological analyses and produces 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.
• Travel nationally and internationally, if required (travel anticipated to be approximately 5-10% of the time).
• Performs other duties and conduct special projects as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in anthropology or related field.
• Must pass competency and proficiency tests within 90 days of start date and maintain proficiency throughout employment with SNA while contracted to the DPAA
• Five (5) years of experience with generating a biological profile or writing technical reports.
• Expert knowledge in human skeletal anatomy.
• Two (2) years of professional work experience in a forensic anthropology laboratory setting, or equivalent combination of similar education and experience.
• Demonstrate experience in osteological analysis and a thorough grasp of the methods used to create a biological profile.
• Demonstrate work history supporting anthropological analysis to assist the DPAA in the identification of human remains, including those from large, commingled assemblages, of U.S. service members lost during past conflicts.
• Correlate investigative evidence with Laboratory findings to achieve identification of casualties.
• Demonstrated experience/familiarity with ForDisc
• Demonstrated experience with generating a biological profile, to include ancestry.

Work Environment

• Work closely with other analysts and members of staff in a team environment and be able to take direction when required.
• Work independently with client staff supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills.
• Have experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities.
• Follow all client policies and procedures.
• Travel nationally and internationally, if required (travel anticipated to be approximately 5-10% of time).

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 or national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.