1

Contract Forensic Anthropologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is contingent upon contract award. Security Requirement: TS/SCI or TS w/SCI ... Degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field * Experience ...

Contract Forensic Anthropologist information

See salary details

$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do contract forensic anthropologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract forensic anthropologist in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Forensic Anthropologists?

Contract Forensic Anthropologists are specialists who analyze human skeletal remains, often working on a contractual basis with law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, or legal teams. They use their expertise to help identify individuals, determine causes of death, and assist in solving criminal cases. Unlike full-time employees, contract forensic anthropologists are hired for specific cases or projects and may work with multiple organizations. Their work often involves field recovery of remains, laboratory analysis, and providing expert testimony in court.

How does a Contract Forensic Anthropologist typically collaborate with law enforcement and other forensic specialists during active investigations?

As a Contract Forensic Anthropologist, you will often work closely with law enforcement officers, forensic pathologists, and crime scene investigators. Collaboration usually involves providing expertise in the recovery and analysis of human remains, attending case briefings, and preparing detailed reports or presenting findings in court. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you may need to explain anthropological findings to non-specialists and ensure that your analysis integrates seamlessly with other forensic evidence. Flexibility and adaptability are also important, as each case may present unique challenges and require varying levels of involvement.

What is the difference between Contract Forensic Anthropologist vs Forensic Anthropologist?

AspectContract Forensic AnthropologistForensic Anthropologist
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in anthropology, certification preferredMaster's or PhD in anthropology, certification preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based roles often on-site at crime labs or morguesPermanent or long-term positions in crime labs, universities, or government agencies
Employer & IndustryContract basis for law enforcement, government, or private firmsFull-time employment within law enforcement, academia, or government agencies

In summary, a Contract Forensic Anthropologist works on temporary projects, often on-site, and is hired for specific cases, whereas a Forensic Anthropologist typically holds a permanent position with ongoing responsibilities in forensic analysis and research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Forensic Anthropologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Forensic Anthropologist, you need expertise in human osteology, forensic analysis, and evidence documentation, typically supported by a graduate degree in anthropology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, forensic case management software, and certifications such as D-ABFA are often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently under deadlines are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate identification and reporting, supporting legal investigations and maintaining professional credibility.
More about Contract Forensic Anthropologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Forensic Anthropologist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Forensic Anthropologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Anthropologist jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Anthropologist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Forensic Anthropologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Forensic Anthropologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Forensic Anthropologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 3% Temporary, 94% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 1% Physical, and 99% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Assistant Professor Position - Anthropology Department

Assistant Professor Position - Anthropology Department

California State University

Chico, CA • On-site

$89K - $91K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Professor Position - Anthropology Department

Apply now Job no: 555568
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Behavioral Sciences, Faculty - Social Sciences, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 22-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 14,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment.

The Position: Assistant Tenure-Track Professor

Position Starts: Fall 2026

College: Behavioral and Social Sciences

Department/School: Anthropology

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience. (Anticipated hiring range: $89,772 - $91,284 per year).

Initial Review Date: 04/02/2026; complete applications received after that date may be considered.

Minimum Qualifications:

The minimum education requirement for appointment to this position is a Ph.D. (by time of appointment) in Anthropology with specialization in biological anthropology. Research grounded in forensic anthropology with a history of grant writing and success in acquiring external funding. College teaching experience and a strong record of professional and scholarly activities and expertise complementing those of current faculty. At least 5 years of experience in a medico-legal setting, such as a medical examiner office or forensic anthropology lab. Involvement in forensic anthropology case work and progress toward ABFA board certification.

Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of this tenure-track position involve supervision of the Chico State Human Identification Lab including maintaining law enforcement contracts, chain of custody, and curation of human remains that are part of active law enforcement cases, casework, and field recovery of human remains. Ensuring confidentiality and security for each case. Participation in forensic anthropological laboratory analyses and field responses, including scheduling and coordinating lab teams for search and recovery efforts for law enforcement agencies. Coordination of these efforts occurs during regularly scheduled work week hours but also includes weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Additionally, the successful candidate carries responsibilities in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. The candidate is expected to intermittently teach general education courses and major courses in Anthropology at the undergraduate level as well as teach graduate level seminars and serve on MA thesis committees, as well as department and university-level committees, as deemed appropriate. Teaching assignments are based on qualifications of the individual and the needs of the department. The candidate will also collaborate with current faculty on developing training programs for first responders and law enforcement, as well as participate in curriculum development and public outreach. The successful candidate should demonstrate commitment to and/or experience promoting and fostering a learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide a current cover letter (including how you have addressed, or plan to address, teaching to diverse student groups), a CV, and contact information of three professional references. Additional information may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online; applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered.

The Department:

The Anthropology Department adheres to the four-field approach to anthropology. We currently have 175 undergraduate and 25 graduate students enrolled in program. For additional information about our mission statement and curriculum, please visit  https://www.csuchico.edu/anth/. Chico State is committed to recruiting, developing and retaining the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Job-related questions should be directed to:

Ashley Kendell, Search Committee Chair
California State University, Chico
Department of Anthropology
400 West 1st St.
Chico, CA 95929-0400
akendell@csuchico.edu

Benefits Information: 

This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible). California State University, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information, please visit https://www.csuchico.edu/hr/benefits/index.shtml. 

Additional Information: 

Out of State Employment: All work must be performed within the State of California. Faculty assignments include in-person duties that require an on-campus presence. 

Background Check and Disclosures: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

Authorization to Work: Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Chico State is not currently sponsoring faculty for H-1B work status if they are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025. For faculty already in the United States who hold a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as F-1, J-1, or O-1), Chico State may consider filing a petition to change their status to H-1B if the fee does not apply.  

Mandated Reporter: The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment. The person also will have a duty to report to the campus Title IX coordinator information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or exploitation, dating or domestic violence, stalking, and/or retaliation under CSU policy.  

Clery Act: Chico State's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A copy of the report may be requested in person at the Chico State Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available online at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report. 

EEO Statement: Chico State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status and only employ individuals authorized to work in the U.S. 

For disability-related accommodations, please call the ADA Coordinator at (530) 898-5959. 

All positions are contingent on funding. 

About Chico State: 

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century.  

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today. 

Advertised: Mar 02 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What California State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


California State University logo

About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US