Career Overview
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Also Known As
- Biometrician
- Biostatistician
- Research Scientist
- Statistical Scientist
Alternate Job Titles
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Biomathematician
- Biometrician
- Biostatistical Consultant
- Biostatistician
- Clinical Biostatistician
- NGS Biostatistician (Next-Generation Sequencing)
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Research Biostatistician
- Research Scientist
- Statistical Programmer
- Statistical Scientist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Writing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Expression
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Dependability
- Achievement Orientation
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Master's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Bash
- C#
- C++
- Extensible markup language XML
- Git
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Mainframe computers
- Personal computers
- Plotters
Work Environment
- Spend Time Sitting
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Freedom to Make Decisions
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Statisticians occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Biostatisticians.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $60,390 |
| Median | $103,300 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $170,700 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 29,800
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Statisticians
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $103,300
Bioinformatics Scientists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $93,330
Clinical Data Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $112,590
Bioinformatics Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $71,490
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.