Anatomical Laboratory Specialist

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Anatomical Laboratory Specialist is responsible for laboratory conservation and preparation activities involving biological specimens, chemical, biohazardous material and carries out essential day to day tasks in support of the safety program of museum laboratories.

This position will be in support of National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM) located in Silver Spring, MD. NMHM's mission includes preserving, managing, and promoting the nation's historic medical collections and related educational, research, and outreach activities. The NMHM is the permanent steward of the nation's National Historic Landmark medical collection that consists of human, and animal remains, manufactured artifacts, archival materials, and other collections of unique and inestimable clinical, scientific, social, cultural, historic, and economic value. The NMHM is responsible for its cultivation, preservation, use, and development. The Museum participates in and promotes the awareness of consultation, education, and research activities in military and civilian medicine. It also maintains its own programs of consultation, education, and research activities, which take forms not limited to exhibitions, public programs, visitor services, collections-based research, professional activities, appropriate promotion, and advertising, etc.

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 is contingent on contract award.

• Responsible for the routine conservation of the museum's wet tissue and histological collections and documentation of conservation activities.
• Prepares new wet tissue and skeletal preparations following museum protocols and helps to develop and refine same.
• Routinely works with chemicals and biohazardous materials in accord with museum policy and procedure as well as federal and state health and safety standards.
• Assists lab manager in conducting regular safety checks in anatomical laboratories and helps ensures the lab remains compliant with relevant health and safety standards.
• Maintains strict inventory controls in relocating and transporting specimens between the lab and storage areas and documenting work on appropriate forms and databases.
• Manages equipment and supplies for anatomical laboratories and submits purchase and service requests as needed.
• Examines specimens and determines methods of preparation and staining to best demonstrate characteristics to be studied.
• Work requires thorough knowledge and proficiency in tissue orientation and embedding in paraffin wax and proper microtomy and staining techniques of all tissue types, including bone.
• Provides support for relevant public programs and exhibits as required.
• Perform weekly operator safety inspections on the Emergency Eyewash and Emergency Shower stations.
• Receives OSHA required annual physical for lab technicians

Education and Experience

• Associates degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience required
• 5 years of laboratory experience in conservation of anatomical specimens, histological preparation and/or necropsy/autopsy assistance.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge and skill in the applications and methods used in the preservation and fixation of tissue specimens, processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining.

• Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry and solution preparation acquired through experience, education and/or on-the-job training.

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of all specialized and general laboratory equipment used in the laboratory.

• Skilled in creation of electronic spreadsheets and updating databases.

• Occupational health clearance for use of respirator and work within a BSL-2 environment.

Physical Capabilities

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

Work Environment

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

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $67,650-$80,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

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.