Anatomical Laboratory Specialist

Join the HJF Team!

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

This position will support the 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 immeasurable 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.

• 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.

• 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…