Historian

https://careers-hjf.icims.com/jobs/3241/historian/job

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 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.

HJF is seeking a Historian to gather historical data from various sources to answer questions about historical events.   

Responsibilities

  • 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Masters’ degree in History or related field with 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 (working toward PhD preferred)
  • Five (5) years of professional historical research experience (includes educational experience)
  • Strong written and oral communication skills evidenced by publication and conference presentation record
  • Knowledge of relevant primary and secondary source material
  • Experience with archival research
  • 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
  • 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.

Qualifications

Work Environment

  • This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Education and Experience

  • Master’s Degree is required. Doctoral Degree is preferred. 
  • Minimum of 1-5 years experience required.

All 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