Occupation AtlasEpidemiologists

O*NET · 19-1041.00

Epidemiologists

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Also called Chronic Disease Epidemiologist · Clinical Epidemiologist · Clinical Lab Scientist · Clinical Lab Scientist (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) · Clinical Researcher · Communicable Diseases Specialist · Environmental Epidemiologist · Epidemiologist
25 more

Epidemiologist Researcher · Epidemiology Analyst · Epidemiology Investigator · Epidemiology Research Doctor · Histopathologist · ICN · ICP · Infection Control Coordinator · Infection Control Manager · Infection Control Nurse (ICN) · Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) · Infection Control Preventionist · Infection Control Specialist · Infection Prevention Coordinator · Infection Prevention Specialist · Infection Preventionist (IP) · Infectious Disease Specialist · IP · Malariologist · Medical Epidemiologist · Nurse Epidemiologist · Pharmacoepidemiologist · Public Health Epidemiologist · Research Epidemiologist · State Epidemiologist

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code ISC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ISCInvestigative · Social · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative7.00
  • S Social4.11
  • C Conventional3.63
  • R Realistic2.82
  • E Enterprising2.37
  • A Artistic2.19

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Master's Degree67%
  • Doctoral Degree11%
  • Post-Doctoral Training22%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (47%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (35%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (24%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Read a scientific journal article describing surgical procedures
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • SciencebasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
Show the other 23
  • CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • InstructingImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
  • InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
  • TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

14 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.Importance 4.5
  2. Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.Importance 4.3
  3. Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.Importance 4.3
  4. Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.Importance 4.2
  5. Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.Importance 4.2
  6. Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.Importance 4.2
  7. Provide expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis.Importance 4.1
  8. Write articles for publication in professional journals.Importance 4.0
  9. Identify and analyze public health issues related to foodborne parasitic diseases and their impact on public policies, scientific studies, or surveys.Importance 3.9
  10. Plan, administer and evaluate health safety standards and programs to improve public health, conferring with health department, industry personnel, physicians, and others.Importance 3.8
  11. Write grant applications to fund epidemiologic research.Importance 3.8
  12. Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings.Importance 3.7
Show the other 4
  1. Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, government health officials and others regarding medical applications of sciences, such as physics, biology, and chemistry.Importance 3.5
  2. Supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel.Importance 3.4
  3. Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.Importance 2.9
  4. Prepare and analyze samples to study effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, or microorganisms on cell structure and tissue.Importance 2.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • MathematicsImportance 4.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • BiologyImportance 4.3Level 5.6
  • English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
Show all 33
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.6Level 2.7
  • PsychologyImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • GeographyImportance 2.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.8
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • ChemistryImportance 2.2Level 2.7
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • DesignImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • TransportationImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 6 looks like: Understand a lecture on advanced physics
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 6 looks like: Understand an instruction book on repairing Artificial Intelligence systems
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Explain advanced principles of genetics to college freshmen
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • OriginalityImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 4.1
  • Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number FacilityImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 5.0Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.6Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Interpret a complex experiment in physics for general audiences
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.6Level 5.8
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.7
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.4Level 5.6
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 5.6
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.7
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.7Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level —
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.3Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Spend Time Sitting4.2

Technology

42 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Rhot
  • SAShot

Hot (9; 5 more marked hot above)

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Facebook
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau
Other tools (28)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC WONDER
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epi Info
  • Circle Systems Stat/Transfer
  • Cytel Egret
  • Data visualization software
  • Database software
  • Disease Mapping and Analysis Program DMAP
  • Epicenter Software Epilog
  • EpiData Analysis
  • Esri ArcGIS
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Expert Health Data Programming Vitalnet
  • GeoDa
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • HiroSoft EPICURE
  • Meta-analysis with interactive explanations MIX
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH Life Table Analysis System
  • Pan American Health Organization SIGEpi
  • RTI International SUDAAN
  • SaTScan
  • Signal detection software
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Statistical processing software
  • Statistical software
  • TerraSeer ClusterSeer
  • Web browser software
  • World Health Organization HealthMapper

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.