According to the American Statistical Association (ASA), biostatisticians with graduate degrees can easily find work in academia, the government and private industries. This is because there is a noted shortage of biostatisticians, who typically need either a master’s or PhD to find high paying work. Read on to learn about four excellent careers for those with a graduate degree in biostatistics and be sure to check out the best biostatistics masters programs online.
Biostatistician – Medical
A biostatistician in the medical field will participate in the design, evaluation and interpretation of medical claim data results. This requires them to calculate and conduct statistical activities using computer-based software programs. Sample projects will involve interpreting feedback from physicians and translating it into graphical displays and descriptive information. Medical biostatisticians must establish report methods, apply innovative statistical techniques and review articles associated with their target clinical projects. For instance, they may be asked to prepare statistical information that supports pharmaceutical research, or they may be required to study publications that question competitor’s products.
Statistics Analyst
Statistics analysts perform a variety of statistical research duties. They typically work on short-term projects that originate from company shareholders and the end-user community. They process report requests, perform data analysis and prepare results for internal customers. Many statisticians gather and sift through data in order to submit factual highlights to senior research analysts. They use computer programs for everything from data management to statistical analyses to research methodologies. Within academia, statistics analysts provide support to departments on assigned research medical projects. Within the private sector, they often develop internal software programs for statistical analysis and data management purposes.
Data Analysis Support
Data analysis technicians provide services and consultations to a variety of professionals, such as scientists, data managers and epidemiologists. They work within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Human Health and Services (DHS) and even with the Department of Defense’s bioterrorism watchdog group. Data analysis technicians import, clean up, validate and model datasets in order to extract conclusions and understand public health circumstances. Their reports are submitted to public health administrators and decision makers. Data analysis technicians deal with incoming requests from different sources, such as private physicians, independent researchers and public health officials. They share database resources and make data accessible to end users.
Statistical Analyst
Statistical analysts, such as those found in the preventive medicine sector, usually work in research centers or in collegial academic environments. They collaborate with biostatistics faculty, external partners and research investigators on epidemiological and clinical science projects. Although they work under the direction of a doctoral-level biostatistician, they independently import data, select appropriate statistical methods and summarize analyses in graphic tables and figures. Their problem solving duties include consultations with customers on appropriate statistical, methodological and data management techniques. They review reports before formal presentations to ensure quality and accuracy, so they must develop and maintain quality assurance standards for documentation.
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Alternative biostatistician jobs include staff scientist at medical research centers, data coordinators in universities and statistical programmers in medical technology companies.