Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Historian to gather historical data from various sources to answer questions about historical events. The Historian will collect and evaluate source information from written records, physical artifacts, and other types of evidence during their investigations. They will analyze and interpret historical information to determine its authenticity and significance.

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.

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.

Performs complex historical research into casualty resolution and unidentified remains interred in U.S. cemeteries.
• Assignments include a variety of duties, to include documentary research, oral histories, secondary source readings, geographically bounded studies, cemetery analyses, case narratives, reports of findings, and briefings to agency leadership.
• Builds and develops recommendations to disinter unidentified remains from past conflicts, with the ultimate goal of pursuing all avenues towards exhumation and identification.
• Assists with the communications with foreign representatives/embassies and casualty/mortuary offices.
• Occasionally travels nationally for Family Member Updates (FMUs) and occasionally internationally for field investigations or other activities as required by agency leadership.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in History or related field. Doctoral Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-10 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A strong understanding of History of Science and/or World War II, Korean War, or Vietnam War with specialist knowledge of the Indo-Pacific Theater.
• At least five years of professional historical research experience (includes educational experience).
• Experience with archival research.
• Strong written and oral communication skills evidenced by publication and conference presentation record.
• Knowledge of relevant primary and secondary source material.
• Possess a broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of historical research and analysis as gained through graduate education in history and relevant job experience.
• Possess the ability to conduct research on a diverse array of cases with scattered and scant source material.
• Possess the ability to apply flexible approaches and versatility to conducting research.
• Knowledge of professional writing styles based on professional experience.
• Exceptional abilities in oral and written communication, and the ability to provide written products quickly and in formats tailored for varied audiences.
• Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills.
• Possess the ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and work well under pressure.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Physical Capabilities

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

Application Instructions

• Please include a cover letter with your resume.

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