Biostatisticians
What is a Biostatistician?
Biostatisticians are specialized professionals who apply statistical principles and methods to analyze data related to health, medicine, and biological sciences. Their work is essential in designing experiments, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies, helping to draw valid conclusions that impact public health and medicine. Biostatisticians work with large datasets to identify trends, make predictions, and support decision-making processes in healthcare policy and research. By employing sophisticated statistical techniques, they help to ensure that studies are appropriately powered to detect meaningful effects and that the results produced are reliable and valid. With a strong foundation in both statistics and biological sciences, biostatisticians collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and public health officials to address critical questions in medicine and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. Their contributions are pivotal in improving treatments, understanding disease patterns, and shaping health interventions, making biostatistics a vital component of modern healthcare research.
Tasks
- Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
- Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
- Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
- Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
- Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences, and social sciences.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Operating system software
- Object or component oriented development software
Tools Used
- Scanners
-
Mainframe computers
- Notebook computers
- Laser printers
- Plotter printers
Knowledge
-
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Skills
-
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
-
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
-
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
-
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
-
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Master's degree
-
Doctoral degree
-
Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
-
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
-
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
-
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
- Analyze health-related data.
- Prepare analytical reports.
- Present research results to others.
- Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
Work Interests
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$58690.0 - $163360.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.