Forensic Anthropologist – Postgraduate Research Associate

SNA International (SNA), a vibrant growing company based in Alexandria, VA, is a world leader in forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence services. With a staff of over 240 scientists, technologists, and business professionals, SNA creates innovative, cost-effective, and reliable forensic and biometric solutions guaranteed to work in the real world. SNA's staff support high visibility forensic human identification operations, including staffing some of the largest federal forensic laboratories in the US. For the last two years, SNA made the annual Inc. 500 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

SNA is currently looking for a Postgraduate Forensic Anthropologist. The Forensic Anthropologist 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 to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts.

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).

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