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

Feb 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Physical Anthropologists study the evolution of humans and other primates, and are key to understanding the evolution of the species. They use a variety of methods to investigate the physical characteristics of human and non-human primates, including skeletal analysis, biological measurements, and DNA analysis. By studying the evolution of physical characteristics, Physical Anthropologists can determine how humans and other primates have adapted to their environment, as well as how different populations of humans are related to one another.

This information can be used to help understand the history of human populations, their health and wellness, and their relationship to the environment. Physical Anthropologists can help inform public health initiatives by providing data that can be used to create or improve health policies.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a physical anthropologist, you should start by earning a bachelor's degree in anthropology, biology, or a related field. During your studies, you should focus on courses related to physical anthropology, such as genetics, anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary biology.
Get Research Experience. It's important to gain research experience in physical anthropology, particularly if you plan to pursue an advanced degree. Many undergraduate programs offer research opportunities with faculty members or allow you to create an undergraduate research project.
Consider Graduate School. If you want to pursue a career as a physical anthropologist, you should consider earning an advanced degree. A master's degree in physical anthropology is the minimum degree requirement for most entry-level positions in the field.
Pursue Certifications. Depending on the type of job you are seeking, you may need to be certified to practice as a physical anthropologist. Certification requirements vary by state and employer, but you may need to pass an exam or demonstrate a certain number of hours of supervised experience.
Stay Current. Physical anthropology is an ever-evolving field, so it's important to stay up to date with the latest research and developments. You can do this by attending conferences and workshops, reading scholarly journals, and connecting with other professionals in the field.

Becoming a skilled and qualified physical anthropologist requires dedication and hard work. It starts with a strong background in the sciences, such as anatomy and biology, as well as a broad knowledge in the social sciences, such as archaeology and sociology. A bachelor's degree in anthropology is a good start but to become a true expert in the field, a master's degree or PhD is necessary.

This additional education will not only give an anthropologist a better understanding of the field, but also increase their job prospects and provide them with a deeper understanding of the theories, methods, and research techniques used in the field. Having an advanced degree may also open up more opportunities for research, teaching, and other professional positions. For those looking to specialize in physical anthropology, it is also important to gain experience in the lab and field.

Attending workshops and conferences related to the field, participating in research projects, and attending seminars can help an anthropologist stay up-to-date on the latest advancements and hone their skills.

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Job Description

Conducting research on the physical development, variation, and evolution of humans.
Examining human remains to determine age, sex, and other characteristics.
Reconstructing fossilized bones and estimating the lifeways of prehistoric populations.
Analyzing skeletal growth and development in living and fossil populations.
Developing theories of human adaptation to different environments.
Comparing and contrasting human biological characteristics with those of other primates.
Documenting the biological and cultural diversity of living populations.
Collaborating with other anthropologists to study the interplay between biology and culture.
Teaching classes and seminars on physical anthropology topics.
Writing scientific papers and presenting research findings at conferences.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of evolutionary theory
Knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry
Understanding of primates and hominids
Familiarity with human variation and adaptation
Familiarity with biological anthropology methods
Understanding of modern human evolution
Knowledge of archaeological methods
Ability to analyze data from diverse sources
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate effectively
Familiarity with statistical analysis
Proficiency in computer software programs (e. g. , SPSS, R, STATA)
Strong writing skills
Ability to work independently and in groups

Physical anthropologists must have a broad range of skills to be successful. The most important skill is the ability to think critically and analytically. Physical anthropologists often need to analyze a wide range of data, including skeletal remains and archaeological evidence, in order to draw conclusions.

They must be able to draw connections between different pieces of evidence and synthesize information to form hypotheses. This requires a thorough understanding of human anatomy, genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology. In addition, physical anthropologists must have excellent communication skills, as they often must explain their findings to a variety of audiences.

Finally, physical anthropologists should have strong research skills, as they are often required to conduct independent investigations and experiments to test their theories. By combining all of these skills, physical anthropologists are able to make valuable contributions to our understanding of the human species.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in physical anthropology?
How do you stay current on advances in the field?
What practical experience do you have studying human evolution?
How would you describe your research methodology?
What techniques do you use to analyze human skeletal remains?
What experience do you have with lab procedures related to physical anthropology?
What challenges have you faced when conducting field research?
What methods do you use to interpret and integrate data from multiple sources?
How have your past experiences shaped your approach to physical anthropology?
How would you apply your physical anthropology skills to help solve a current issue?

Common Tools in Industry

Forensic Facial Reconstruction Tool. This tool is used to generate an approximation of a person's face from their skeletal remains. (eg: 3D-ID, Faces of the Past)
Odontology Tools. These tools are used to identify individuals from their teeth and jaws. (eg: Bite Prints, Dental Matching)
Skeletal Analysis Tools. These tools are used to measure and analyze human skeletal remains. (eg: Isodontic System, FORDISC)
DNA Analysis Tools. These tools are used to analyze genetic material from skeletal remains and other sources. (eg: STR-Typing, Mitochondrial DNA Analysis)
Stature Estimation Tools. These tools are used to estimate the height of living or deceased individuals from their skeletal remains. (eg: Trotter-Gleser Method, Forensic Height Estimation)
Anthropometric Tools. These tools are used to measure and analyze the physical characteristics of individuals. (eg: Broca Index, Fordisc 2. 0)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA)
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
Paleopathology Association (PPA)
Human Biology Association (HBA)
International Society for the Study of Human Evolution (ISSHE)
American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA)
National Association of Forensic Anthropologists (NAFA)
Society for the Study of Human Biology (SSHB)
International Association for the Study of Human Paleopathology (IASHP)
American Association of Physical Anthropologists - Canada (AAPA-C)

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Common Important Terms

Human Variation. The study of differences (both physical and cultural) between human populations and how those differences are distributed geographically.
Evolutionary Biology. The study of how species change over time, including the mechanisms and processes involved in such changes.
Genetics. The study of inheritance, gene expression, and the genetic basis of traits.
Primatology. The study of primates, including their behavior, ecology, and evolution.
Paleontology. The study of fossils and the history of life on Earth.
Human Osteology. The study of human bones and skeletal remains.
Forensic Anthropology. The application of physical anthropology to legal matters, such as identifying individuals from skeletal remains.
Biomechanics. The study of how external forces interact with the body and its structures, such as muscle, bone, and joint mechanics.
Behavioral Ecology. The study of how behavior is shaped by environmental factors such as climate, food availability, and competition.
Population Genetics. The study of how genetic variation is distributed within and among populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Physical Anthropologist?

A Physical Anthropologist is a scientist that studies the biological and behavioral aspects of human beings, as well as their evolutionary history and variation.

What topics do Physical Anthropologists study?

Physical Anthropologists study topics related to human evolution, anatomy, genetics, and physiology. They also investigate the relationships between human biology, culture, and behavior.

How long has Physical Anthropology been a field of study?

Physical Anthropology has been a field of study for over 150 years, with the first professional organization for anthropologists established in 1871.

What qualifications do you need to become a Physical Anthropologist?

To become a Physical Anthropologist, you typically need to have a Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field, as well as experience in research, teaching, and writing.

How many Physical Anthropologists are there in the US?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 1,400 Physical Anthropologists employed in the US in 2019.

Web Resources

Physical/Biological Anthropology - University of California, Santa anthro.ucsc.edu
Anthropology: Physical, PhD < University of Pennsylvania catalog.upenn.edu
Home | Anthropology anthropology.berkeley.edu