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Details Report for:
15-2041.01 - Biostatisticians

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

This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.

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Tasks  |  Interests  |  Work Values  |  Education  |  Wages & Employment

Tasks   Save Table (XLS/CSV)

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

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Interests   Save Table (XLS/CSV)


Occupational Interest
Interest
95   Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
72   Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
33   Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
17   Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
11   Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
 Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

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Work Values   Save Table (XLS/CSV)


Extent
Work Value
78   Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
72   Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
67   Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
67   Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
39   Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
33   Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

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Education

Education data collected from Statisticians.


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Attained
93   Bachelor's degree or higher
  Some college
 High school or less

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics external site survey of employees aged 25-44.

This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:

Life Sciences — Biometry/Biometrics; Biostatistics

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Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages data collected from Statisticians.
Employment data collected from Statisticians.

Category Occupation Information
Median wages (2008) $34.91 hourly, $72,610 annual
 
Employment (2006) 22,000 employees
 
Projected growth (2006-2016) Average (7% to 13%) Average (7% to 13%)
 
Projected need (2006-2016) 9,000 additional employees

State & National

          CareerOneStop

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data external site and 2006-2016 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

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