Biostatisticians

15-2041.01

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

Occupation-Specific Information

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.
• Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
• Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.
• Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.
• Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.
• Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
• Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.
• Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.
• Plan or direct research studies related to life sciences.
• Prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences.
• Monitor clinical trials or experiments to ensure adherence to established procedures or to verify the quality of data collected.
• Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.
• Design or maintain databases of biological data.
• Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
• Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
• Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.
• Assign work to biostatistical assistants or programmers.
• Analyze archival data, such as birth, death, and disease records.
• Design surveys to assess health issues.
• Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Data visualization software; IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; Insightful S-PLUS; Minitab; SAS ; SAS/STAT; StataCorp Stata; STATISTICA; Statistical software; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Tibco S-PLUS; Wolfram Research Mathematica
• Data base management system software - MySQL 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - Clinical trials database software; Database software; Microsoft Access 🔥; Microsoft SQL Server 🔥; Oracle Database 🔥; Patient monitoring systems; Structured query language SQL
• Data mining software - Data mining software
• Development environment software - Microsoft Visual Studio 🔥; Software development tools
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• File versioning software - Git 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Graphics software
• Medical software - STAT! Systems QD Clinical
• Object or component oriented development software - C# 🔥; C++ 🔥; Oracle Java 🔥; Perl ; Python ; R
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Bash 🔥; Linux ; Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows 🔥; Shell script 🔥; UNIX
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Web platform development software - JavaScript 🔥; PHP 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.
• Analyze health-related data.
• Present research results to others.
• Prepare analytical reports.
• Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
• Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
• Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
• Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.
• Write computer programming code.
• Develop scientific or mathematical models.
• Develop detailed project plans.
• Monitor operational activities to ensure compliance with regulations or standard operating procedures.
• Create databases to store electronic data.
• Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
• Design computer modeling or simulation programs.
• Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
• Train others in computer interface or software use.