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Biostatisticians

O*NET files this work under Biostatisticians: people who develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences. The skills rated most useful are mathematics, speaking, and science. One core duty is to draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses. Its interest code is ICS. Investigative leads at 7.0 out of 7, so expect research, analysis and working through hard problems, with Conventional next at 4.4. Getting in usually takes graduate school and often five years or more of related experience, a level O*NET calls extensive preparation. It tends to suit people who want research, analysis and working through hard problems, and it offers little for anyone seeking leading, persuading and making business decisions.

What they do

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

Main 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.
  • Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.

Skills

  • Mathematics
  • Speaking
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
  • You are comfortable relying on mathematics and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You lose interest when a job asks for long stretches of analysis.
  • You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 2.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want to be working in the field within the next few years.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ICS takes the three highest, and Investigative comes first here.

Preparation

Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Master's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Biometrician
  • Biostatistical Consultant
  • Biostatistician
  • Research Scientist
  • Statistical Scientist

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.