Occupation AtlasBiostatisticians
O*NET · 15-2041.01
Biostatisticians
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Also called Bioinformatics Scientist · Biomathematician · Biometrician · Biostatistical Consultant · Biostatistician · Clinical Biostatistician · NGS Biostatistician · NGS Biostatistician (Next-Generation Sequencing)
5 more
Postdoctoral Fellow · Research Biostatistician · Research Scientist · Statistical Programmer · Statistical Scientist
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 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
ICSInvestigative · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative7.00
- C Conventional4.40
- S Social3.11
- A Artistic2.80
- R Realistic2.43
- E Enterprising1.98
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.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (21%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (25%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (33%)
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.
- MathematicsbasicImportance 4.6Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Develop a mathematical model to simulate and resolve an engineering problem
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Read a scientific journal article describing surgical procedures
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SciencebasicImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- ProgrammingImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a statistical analysis program to analyze demographic data
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
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- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Service OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
25 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.Importance 4.5
- Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.Importance 4.4
- Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.Importance 4.4
- Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.Importance 4.4
- 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.Importance 4.3
- Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.Importance 4.3
- Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.Importance 4.3
- Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.Importance 4.3
- Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.Importance 4.3
- Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.Importance 4.2
- Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.Importance 4.2
- Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.Importance 4.2
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- Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.Importance 4.2
- Plan or direct research studies related to life sciences.Importance 4.1
- Prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences.Importance 4.0
- Monitor clinical trials or experiments to ensure adherence to established procedures or to verify the quality of data collected.Importance 3.9
- Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.Importance 3.8
- Design or maintain databases of biological data.Importance 3.7
- Collect data through surveys or experimentation.Importance 3.6
- Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.Importance 3.6
- Assign work to biostatistical assistants or programmers.Importance 3.5
- Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.Importance 3.5
- Analyze archival data, such as birth, death, and disease records.Importance 3.4
- Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.Importance 3.3
- Design surveys to assess health issues.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- MathematicsImportance 4.7Level 5.8
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- BiologyImportance 2.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
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- AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 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
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- ChemistryImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Explain advanced principles of genetics to college freshmen
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Understand a lecture on advanced physics
- Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.3
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
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- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Number FacilityImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.8
- OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 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
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Time SharingImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Static StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 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 —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.7Level 5.9
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Processing InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Getting InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
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- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
45 toolsSoftware 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 (11)
- IBM SPSS Statisticshot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Pythonhot
- Rhot
- SAP softwarehot
- SAShot
- Structured query language SQLhot
- StataCorp Stata
- Statistical software
Hot (20; 9 more marked hot above)
- Bash
- C#
- C++
- Extensible markup language XML
- Git
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- MySQL
- Oracle Database
- Oracle Java
- Perl
- PHP
- Shell script
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- UNIX
Other tools (14)
- Clinical trials database software
- Data visualization software
- Database software
- Graphics software
- Insightful S-PLUS
- Minitab
- Patient monitoring systems
- S-Plus software
- SAS/STAT
- Software development tools
- STAT! Systems QD Clinical
- STATISTICA
- Tibco S-PLUS
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Statisticians
Average difference 0.2 points · Judgment and Decision Making −0.6, Equipment Selection −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming −1.4, Mathematics −1.2
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Operations Research Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.8, Programming −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Bioinformatics Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.7, Operations Analysis −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Mathematicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming −0.9, Management of Personnel Resources −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Biologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Operation and Control +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Economists
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −2.1, Programming −1.3
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control +0.9, Operations Monitoring +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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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.