Biological Science Technician (Osteology), IS-0404-09

Application Deadline: 18 August 2026

Department: National Museum of Natural History

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Suitland, MD

Compensation: $70,623 - $91,815 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: August 4, 2026

CLOSING DATE: August 18, 2026 (This job will close when the first 200 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date)

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Not-To Exceed (NTE) 2 Years

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Suitland, MD

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
• The work requires prolonged standing while examining and processing skeletal collections; frequent bending, reaching, and lifting of collection materials; and the movement of collection containers, specimen trays, and storage units weighing up to 40 pounds. The Biological Science Technician for Osteology regularly uses carts, ladders, and other equipment to access and transport collections stored in museum facilities.
• Normally works in a laboratory or collection area; infrequently performs field work in a variety of settings. May work with chemicals, some potentially hazardous. Proper safety precautions are observed.

OVERVIEW

The National Museum of Natural History is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the Biological Science Technician (Osteology) position within the International Repatriation and Domestic Returns (IRDR) Program, in the Department of Anthropology. The purpose of this position is to perform technical work associated with the documentation of Biological Anthropology collections. The goal of the documentation is to record information pertinent to the determination of biological linkages between human skeletal collections in NMNH and appropriate descendant communities, as needed to provide scientific insights for the potential repatriation of collections and for the permanent record of the museum.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Examines, identifies, and documents human remains in collections that may be subject to repatriation.
• Develops biological profiles by recording age at death, sex, ancestry, and other biological attributes.
• Conducts technical research using existing literature and comparative collections to assist in determining biological ancestry.
• Searches museum records, collections, libraries, archives, and other technical sources for historical and scientific information related to collections.
• Records, organizes, and enters collection information into computerized databases to support interpretation, documentation, and permanent museum records.
• Assists repatriation-related visitors and responds to inquiries concerning biological anthropology collections and repatriation activities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, osteology, biological anthropology, forensic anthropology, or a closely related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience required for this position is as follows:

• Knowledge of scientific methods, technical procedures, and established practices used in biological anthropology sufficient to independently perform osteological examinations, apply accepted classification techniques, evaluate findings, and support the scientific documentation of collections
• Knowledge of scientific and technical literature and other research resources sufficient to conduct technical investigations and resolve identification and classification issues involving biological collections.
• Knowledge of museum records systems and data management practices sufficient to organize, maintain, verify, and update collection documentation and ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of collection records and computerized databases.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally with museum staff, researchers, descendant community representatives, and other stakeholders to provide information, explain technical findings, and respond to inquiries related to biological collections and repatriation activities
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing to prepare documentation, research summaries, correspondence, and reports concerning biological collections, repatriation activities, and related technical matters
• Ability to organize and manage multiple assignments involving collection examination, documentation, research, and data management while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter by the closing date. Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. (If applicable include) Unofficial school transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted with your application package by the closing date of the announcement. If selected for the position, you must provide official transcripts before appointment.

Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must have their education deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures: Individuals with Disabilities | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo/individuals-disabilities).