Skeletal Analysis Hourly Position East Marshall Street Well Project

The East Marshall Street Well Project is a VCU initiative designed to work with the community in addressing the discovery of human bones and artifacts from the 19th century in an abandoned well uncovered during construction on Virginia Commonwealth University’s MCV Campus. The work has involved a community process that encouraged learning about the human remains discovered near East Marshall Street and sought community input in the formation of the Family Representative Council. The Family Representative Council served to represent the “descendant community” and made recommendations on behalf of those individuals whose remains were discovered to support appropriate study, memorialization and reburial with dignity. For additional information on the project, please see: www.emsw.vcu.edu

Within the EMSWP, the Memorialization and Interment Implementation Work Group is focused on ensuring that the EMSW Ancestors receive proper memorialization and reburial. Plans currently in progress include creating physical memorialization sites in the VCU Kontos Education Building, as well institutionalizing an annual EMSW remembrance to be observed by all VCU medical and pre-health students taking an anatomy class. In addition, this group will establish guidelines for University policy, to address future discoveries of human remains on campus, and, in collaboration with the EMSW Research Implementation Committee, will develop (via cross-institutional and interdisciplinary RFPs) the first formal studies of the historical legacy of slavery in the University and mechanisms for redressing that legacy. Ultimately, an interment ceremony will be planned and designed with input from funerary experts in West African traditions. This public event will be intentionally inclusive, honoring a variety of faith traditions (including African indigenous practices) and engaging the diverse Richmond community in the longer-term civic project of combatting structural racism and health disparities.

Position Responsibilities:

Engaging in analysis of human skeletal remains involving scientific documentation, note-taking, photography, data entry

Supporting bone sampling and preparation, DNA extraction, preparation and support of PCR analyses

Ability to comply with guidelines and protocols for sampling and documentation including strict adherence to strategies to ensure chain of custody and ability to maintain confidentiality

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science or related in progress or completed (FRSC 300 completed, 385 or 438 in progress or completed) or MSc forensic science biology concentration student with 675 in progress or completed

Demonstrated respect for human remains and working with sensitive sample types

Preferred knowledge of anatomy/osteology

Preferred experience of DNA extraction and PCR

Willingness to assist with public education outreach

Demonstrated experience working or fostering a diverse environment.

Lab and Research Assistants perform a variety of routine, non-technical duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in clinical and research laboratories. Typical duties include performing general lab maintenance by obtaining, cleaning, and sterilizing instruments, glassware, and equipment; wrapping, labeling, and preparing specimens; and setting up and monitoring equipment. They may be responsible for checking stock, ordering supplies, and keeping records. Assistants may also contact and coordinate schedules with study subjects, handle basic information intake, record and track results, and provide logistical support by helping prepare space, materials, and equipment. They may work independently or as a member of a team. They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Assistants typically report to a manager or director or may report to a department administrator. Senior Lab and Research Assistants are distinguished from Lab and Research Assistants by a greater knowledge of proper lab and research protocols as well as associated record-keeping compliance.