How to Be Forensic Anthropologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Forensic anthropology is a valuable tool for solving criminal investigations. It is the application of physical anthropology to legal cases, most commonly involving the identification of human remains. Forensic anthropologists use the techniques of osteology, which is the study of bones, to determine the age, sex, ancestry, and stature of a deceased individual.

In addition to these methods, forensic anthropologists may also analyze the context of the remains to provide information about trauma, cause and manner of death, and time since death. By combining the scientific evidence with other evidence found at a crime scene or in an autopsy, forensic anthropologists can often provide invaluable data to help solve criminal cases.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. A bachelors degree in anthropology, biology, or forensic science is the minimum educational requirement for a career in forensic anthropology.
Complete an Internship. Completing an internship with a law enforcement agency, medical examiners office, or a research institute is highly recommended for obtaining a job as a forensic anthropologist.
Obtain Certification. The American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) provides certification for those interested in becoming a forensic anthropologist.
Obtain Experience. Obtain experience by working in a lab, participating in field work and attending seminars and conferences.
Pursue Graduate Studies. Pursuing a masters degree or doctorate in anthropology, biology, or forensic science can increase your chances of obtaining a job as a forensic anthropologist.
Maintain Certification. It is important to keep up with continuing education credits and maintain certification as a forensic anthropologist.

Forensic anthropologists must remain constantly updated and competent in their field in order to provide reliable, accurate information to law enforcement officials. To stay on top of the latest developments, forensic anthropologists attend seminars, conferences, and workshops on a regular basis to learn about new techniques and technologies. They also engage in continuing education and research to build their knowledge of the field.

Keeping up with current studies and publications in the field is essential in order to stay abreast of the latest trends and updated information. forensic anthropologists should maintain and develop their expertise by attending regular training courses, seminars, and meetings with colleagues in the profession. By taking the time to stay up to date, forensic anthropologists can continue to provide trustworthy and accurate information to law enforcement officials, which can have a profound effect on the outcome of a criminal investigation.

You may want to check Evolutionary Anthropologist, Primatologist, and Ethnoarchaeologist for alternative.

Job Description

Collect and analyze skeletal remains in order to determine the cause of death, age, sex, ancestry, and other characteristics of individuals.
Identify skeletal remains and compare them to databases of missing persons.
Examine skeletal remains to determine the postmortem interval and how long ago the individual died.
Prepare written reports and provide expert testimony in court proceedings.
Develop and maintain databases of skeletal remains.
Use computer software to analyze skeletal data.
Conduct research on human skeletal remains and the human skeleton in general.
Develop techniques for identifying and analyzing human skeletons and remains.
Educate students and other professionals about forensic anthropology.
Supervise laboratory activities of students and other personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and osteology
Knowledge of forensic anthropology techniques, including the identification of human skeletal remains
Ability to interpret and analyze skeletal and other biological evidence
Proficiency in laboratory methods for analyzing skeletal and other biological evidence
Ability to analyze and interpret data from various sources
Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to forensic anthropology
Ability to effectively communicate findings to a variety of audiences, including other scientists, legal professionals, and the public
Excellent writing skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Proficiency in computer software and databases related to forensic science
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Forensic anthropologists are highly skilled professionals who use their expertise to help solve criminal cases. They specialize in analyzing human remains to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as providing other important details such as age, sex, ancestry, and trauma to the body. The most important skill a forensic anthropologist must possess is the ability to accurately interpret evidence.

This includes experience in both osteology (the study of bones) and archaeology (the study of artifacts). In addition, they must have a solid understanding of human anatomy, knowledge of the processes involved in decomposition and mummification, and familiarity with the various methods used to collect and analyze skeletal remains. Furthermore, forensic anthropologists must be adept at working in the lab, collecting and cataloging evidence, and collaborating with other experts in the field.

Their work is vital to helping ensure justice is served in criminal cases.

Kinship Anthropologist, Ecological Anthropologist, and Medical Anthropologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in forensic anthropology?
What experience do you have working with human skeletal remains?
How do you approach the analysis of a new set of remains?
What methods or techniques do you use when searching for evidence at a crime scene?
How do you integrate the results of your investigations with those of other forensic professionals?
What challenges have you faced while working with forensic anthropology?
How do you stay up-to-date on developments in your field?
Describe a case involving forensic anthropology that you have worked on and the results.
How do you handle sensitive or confidential information related to your work?
What would you consider to be the most important skills required for a successful career in forensic anthropology?

Common Tools in Industry

Measuring Calipers. Used to measure skeletal remains, such as the length, width and depth of bones. (eg: measuring the length of a femur)
Osteometric Board. Board with a series of slots and measurements used to lay out and record measurements of bones. (eg: plotting the positions of vertebrae)
Forensic DNA Analysis. Used to develop a DNA profile of a person from remains, or to compare it with a known sample. (eg: comparing a suspects DNA with DNA from a crime scene)
Computer Programs. Specialized computer programs used to generate 3-dimensional images of skeletal remains for analysis. (eg: creating 3D images of fractures on a skull)
Dental Analysis. Comparison of dental records to identify individuals from remains. (eg: matching dental records to a set of teeth found in a grave)
Ground Penetrating Radar. Used to detect graves without having to dig them up. (eg: locating graves in a cemetery without having to dig them up)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
American Board of Forensic Anthropology
American Society of Anthropological Genetics
Society for Archaeological Sciences
International Association for Identification
American Association for Physical Anthropology
Society for Forensic Anthropology
Society for Applied Anthropology
International Association of Human Biologists
International Association for Trauma Professionals

We also have Urban Anthropologist, Cultural Anthropologist, and Paleoanthropologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Bioarchaeology. The study of past human cultures through the analysis of human remains and the archaeological context.
Forensic Odontology. The application of dental science to the law. Usually used for identification of individuals from their teeth.
Skeletal Biology. The study of skeletal anatomy and physiology, including skeletal pathology and variation.
Forensic Pathology. The application of pathology to legal investigations, usually involving a crime scene or death investigation.
Taphonomy. The study of the processes that occur after death, including decomposition and postmortem alteration.
Osteometry. The measurement of skeletal elements such as bones to assess characteristics such as stature or sex.
Forensic Entomology. The use of insects to provide evidence in legal investigations, usually related to time of death or postmortem interval.
DNA Analysis. The extraction and analysis of genetic material from human remains to identify individuals or assess ancestry.
Radiography. The use of x-rays or other imaging techniques to assess the structure of remains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forensic Anthropologist?

Forensic Anthropologists are scientists who use their knowledge of human anatomy, skeletal analysis, and other physical sciences to assist in legal investigations.

What degree is necessary to become a Forensic Anthropologist?

Most Forensic Anthropologists have a minimum of a Master's Degree in Anthropology or Forensic Science.

What kind of work does a Forensic Anthropologist do?

Forensic Anthropologists typically work with law enforcement agencies to identify human remains and analyze skeletal remains. They also help to interpret evidence, such as wounds and injury patterns, obtained from human remains.

How long does it take to become a Forensic Anthropologist?

It can take up to 8 years to become a Forensic Anthropologist. This includes obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology or Forensic Science, completing a Master's Degree program, and gaining experience in the field.

What is the salary range for a Forensic Anthropologist?

The median salary for a Forensic Anthropologist is approximately $63,000 per year. Salaries can range from $41,000 to $97,000 depending on experience and location.

Web Resources

Forensic Anthropology - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural naturalhistory.si.edu
What Do Forensic Anthropologists Do? | Forensic Anthropology fac.utk.edu
What is Forensic Anthropology? | Forensic Anthropology Center fac.utk.edu