1

Forensic Artist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

S. degrees with forensic biology and forensic chemistry concentrations, a nonthesis M.S. program ... Arts to Science and Informatics. Indianapolis, the state capital of Indiana, is the 16th largest ...

Forensic Artist information

What is a Forensic Artist job?

A forensic artist creates facial reconstructions, composite sketches, and age progressions to help law enforcement identify suspects, victims, or missing persons. They use witness descriptions, photographs, and forensic data to produce accurate visual representations. Their work can be done by hand or using digital tools, and they often collaborate with investigators and forensic experts.

How much do FBI sketch artists make?

FBI sketch artists are typically federal employees earning salaries within the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with starting salaries around $50,000 to $60,000 annually and higher pay with experience and seniority. They may also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and often work in law enforcement environments requiring specialized skills in forensic art and facial reconstruction.

What does a typical workday look like for a Forensic Artist?

A typical workday for a Forensic Artist often involves collaborating with law enforcement officers, interviewing witnesses or victims to create composite sketches, and producing age-progressed images or facial reconstructions. You may split your time between working in an office or police department environment and conducting site visits depending on case needs. Many forensic artists also provide courtroom testimony, attend training sessions, or work on administrative tasks related to evidence documentation. This role requires flexibility and a strong commitment to detail, as project timelines and priorities can shift quickly based on investigative developments.

How do I become a forensic artist?

To become a forensic artist, typically a background in art, forensic science, or criminal justice is required, along with strong drawing skills and knowledge of anatomy. Many forensic artists hold a bachelor's degree and gain experience through training programs or certifications in forensic art. Developing skills in interview techniques, facial reconstruction, and working with law enforcement agencies is also important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forensic Artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Artist, you need excellent drawing skills, an understanding of human anatomy, and familiarity with law enforcement or criminal justice processes, often backed by formal art or forensic science training. Competence using sketching materials, digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop, and forensic reconstruction techniques is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate sensitively with witnesses or victims are crucial soft skills. These abilities enable a Forensic Artist to create accurate, useful representations for investigations while working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Are forensic artists still in demand?

Forensic artists continue to be in demand as law enforcement agencies rely on their skills to create facial reconstructions and composites for investigations. The need for these professionals persists due to ongoing criminal cases and advancements in imaging technology, often requiring certification and proficiency with digital tools. Job opportunities are available in various law enforcement and forensic laboratories.

How much money do forensic artists make?

Forensic artists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and work in law enforcement or private sectors.
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Artist jobs in Indiana? For Forensic Artist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Artist job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Job description

Position Details
Title Lecturer Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Indianapolis School of Science Location Indianapolis Position Summary
Lecturer

The School of Science (SoS - https://science.indianapolis.iu.edu/) at Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Lecturer beginning August 1, 2026 in the area of digital forensics. The academic home of the selected candidates will be in one of six departments within the SoS: Biology, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, or Psychology with primary teaching and service responsibilities in the Forensic and Investigative Science (FIS) Program. This position is for in-person teaching at the IU  Indianapolis campus.
 

The FIS Program is a FEPAC accredited program. The FIS program offers B.S. and M.S. degrees with forensic biology and forensic chemistry concentrations, a nonthesis M.S. program, and is starting a new B.S. degree in digital forensic. Currently, the B.S. program has over 260 students and continues to grow annually at the rate of over 100 new students per an academic term. Fall 2025, the FIS program offer new courses for the B.S. degree in digital forensic. The successful candidate will need to develop and teach such courses and assist in teaching other forensic science coursework as required in the program. The successful candidate will provide expertise that will contribute to the educational growth of students in the domains of digital forensics, mobile devices, Internet of things, and other relevant topics in forensic sciences. More information about the program can be found at https://science.indianapolis.iu.edu/forensic/ .
Applicants should hold at minimum a M.S. in Forensic Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field from an accredited university by the date of appointment. The field of expertise and experience must include digital forensics. Industry experience in analysis of digital evidence in civil or criminal casework either in the private or public forensic science service is highly valued. Experience in teaching courses at the university level is preferred. Non-tenure track teaching faculty have service and scholarly work expectations in addition to their primary teaching responsibility and are eligible for promotion in the ranks of Senior Lecturer and Teaching Professor.

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their educational background, experiences, and reasons for interest in this position, a curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy statement (up to two pages), and the name and contact information for three references through the online application portal.
IU Indianapolis, premier urban research institution, is a national leader in life sciences research, civic engagement, service learning, first-year experiences, and assessment of institutional effectiveness. IU Indianapolis more than 22,000 students pursue Indiana University degrees across seventeen distinct schools, ranging from Business and Liberal Arts to Science and Informatics. Indianapolis, the state capital of Indiana, is the 16th largest city in the nation and is home to outstanding cultural institutions and several professional sports teams situated in a
diverse regional economy. The IU Indianapolis School of Science is comprised of above-mentioned 6 departments and 2 interdisciplinary programs and is the largest non-medical school on the IU Indianapolis campus.
Department contact for questions - Dr. Nick Manicke, e-mail address: nmanicke@iu.edu
The review of applications will begin on January 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Basic Qualifications
M.S. in Forensic Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field from an accredited university by the date of appointment. The field of expertise and experience must include digital forensics. Industry experience in analysis of digital evidence in civil or criminal casework either in the private or public forensic science service is highly valued. Experience in teaching courses at the university level is preferred.
Department Contact for Questions
Dr. Nick Manicke,
e-mail address: nmanicke@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications
Provide expertise that will contribute to the educational growth of students in the domains of digital forensics, mobile devices, Internet of things, and other relevant topics in forensic sciences.
Salary and Rank Commensurate with experience and qualifications Special Instructions
Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their educational background, experiences, and reasons for interest in this position, a curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy statement (up to two pages), and the name and contact information for three references through the online application portal.
For Best Consideration Date 01/30/2026 Expected Start Date 03/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101264-2025