Biologischer Anthropologe/Biologische Anthropologin

Biological anthropologists may follow publications such as Africa Spectrum, DARIAH-DE, Hamburger Journal für Kulturanthropologie (HJK), Interdisziplinäre Anthropologie. Jahrbuch, Zeitschrift für Ethnologie - Journal for Social and Cultural Anthropology, and Zeitschrift für Individualpsychologie.

The use of Big Data in science enables biological anthropologists to analyze large datasets. This allows them to identify risk factors for diseases in medical research or uncover complex interactions between proteins in medications. They make informed decisions based on extensive data analyses. Big Data makes it possible to work more efficiently in researching new technologies, develop better products, and remain competitive. Scientists must engage with this methodology to filter out and evaluate relevant information.

Biological anthropologists usually work in offices, classrooms and lecture halls, at archaeological excavation sites, and in laboratories. They may also work in exhibition rooms, from home, or remotely.

Core competencies generally required for this profession include anthropology, biology, evolutionary biology, preparing scientific publications, research, human genetics, and morphology. Further competencies that may be significant for practicing this profession include ethnology (Völkerkunde), gene analysis, DNA analysis, expert/appraiser activities, human biology, comparative sciences (Komparatistik), laboratory work, laboratory techniques, teaching (university), museum education, project management, research and information gathering, forensic medicine (medical), social anthropology, folklore, cultural anthropology, presentation activities, and scientific documentation.

Biological anthropologists use their methodological and analytical skills, as well as their text and language competencies, for acquiring and classifying data and information, and for writing studies or research reports. They conduct investigations, for example on skeletal remains or genetic samples, carefully and with concentration. In teaching at universities, they apply pedagogical and subject-specific didactic knowledge and measure the quality of their teaching by the progress and feedback of their students. In collaboration with colleagues and scientists from other disciplines, biological anthropologists demonstrate willingness to make contact and teamwork skills. In research, they may participate in international research projects with scientists from various countries, sometimes communicating in English. When involved in excavations abroad, intercultural competence and openness are important.

Biological anthropologists can become self-employed, for example, as freelance appraisers for museums, excavation companies, or state archaeological offices.

Due to the broad professional spectrum, no representative salary information can be provided. Please check BERUFENET for current details.

Biological anthropologists can work at universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), vocational and specialized academies, especially in anthropological institutes. They may also find employment in research and development in natural, engineering, agricultural sciences, and medicine, as well as in the healthcare sector, including medical and forensic institutes and laboratories. Arts, culture, museums, and collections are also potential areas of work.

Employers often expect an advanced Studium (university degree) in biology.

Biology (advanced Studium)

Biological anthropologists are primarily employed at universities and scientific institutes, as well as in medical and forensic laboratories. Furthermore, they can also find employment in archaeological and natural history museums.

German job title: Biologische/r Anthropologe/Anthropologin. English job titles: Biological anthropologist (m/f), Physical anthropologist (m/f). French job title: Anthropologue physique (m/f).

Biological anthropologists investigate the diversity of physical characteristics, behavior, and evolution of humans, their ancestors, and related species.

Deutscher Museumsbund, EVIFA

bfe - Bundesverband für Ethnolog/innen e.V., Bundesverband freiberuflicher Kulturwissenschaftler e.V. BfK, BVM Berufsverband Deutscher Markt- und Sozialforscher e.V., Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Gesellschaft für Anthropologie e.V., Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW), Leibniz-Gemeinschaft

This profession involves responsibility for individuals (e.g., teaching and supervising students), screen work (e.g., managing data, evaluating research results), working with technical equipment, machines, and systems (e.g., using 3-D scanners or binoculars), working in offices (e.g., preparing manuscripts, researching information), laboratory work (e.g., conducting research series like chromosome analyses using chemical methods), working in classrooms/training rooms (e.g., conducting lectures in auditoriums or seminar rooms), outdoor work (e.g., at excavations), and handling chemicals (e.g., using acids, alkalis, or salts in investigations).

Research and working documents (e.g., primary and secondary literature, textbooks, journals, catalogs, research publications, scientific collections, scientific reports, photos, presentation materials), objects of investigation (e.g., human relics, skeletal remains, tissue samples), laboratory equipment, accessories, and devices (e.g., microscopes, 3-D scanners, chemicals like acids, alkalis, salts, solvents, X-ray CT devices), and office equipment (e.g., PC, internet access, telephone, projector) are used.

In paleoanthropology, biological anthropologists reconstruct human evolution based on fossils. In prehistoric anthropology, they analyze more recent skeletal and bone finds to draw conclusions about (pre)historic living conditions. They also examine genetic samples of human remains in the laboratory and use imaging techniques such as 3-D technology or micro-computed tomography. In forensics, they collaborate with forensic medicine to identify perpetrators and victims. In industrial anthropology, they advise on ergonomics and user-friendliness of products and work processes. Finally, biological anthropologists publish research results and teach at universities.

Adaptive professional development helps keep professional knowledge current and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in the fields of biology, natural science laboratories, or research and development).

Biological anthropologists conduct research on human biological variability, behavior, and evolutionary history, potentially interdisciplinarily. In paleoanthropology, they research the development of hominid lineages using fossils. In prehistoric anthropology, they analyze human relics (e.g., skeletal remains) and draw conclusions about (pre)historic living and working conditions, as well as dietary and housing situations. They may examine genetic samples of human remains in the lab and apply imaging techniques such as 3-D technology or micro-computed tomography. In forensic anthropology, they assist in identifying perpetrators and victims; they may answer questions about the post-mortem interval and environment of bones. In industrial anthropology, they examine workplaces, products, and processes for ergonomics and user-friendliness; they advise specialists. They train junior scientists, design and conduct courses, and perform organizational and administrative tasks.

The following lists professions or activities that show similarities to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants. Furthermore, employers can consider individuals from these professions as alternatives for filling a position in the original profession. Some alternative professions only encompass partial activities of the original profession; others require an induction period, which can vary in length depending on the individual case. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of Biological Anthropologist: For the overall activity (usually short induction): Biologist, Human Biologist. For partial activities and professional applications (with/without induction): Geneticist, Industrial Anthropologist. A list of all possible degrees of relatedness can be found in the explanations on BERUFENET.