Biostatistician

Your Fit

Income

$103K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

31.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Biostatistician?

A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to the analysis of biological data, playing a pivotal role in medical research, public health, and pharmaceutical development. They design studies, analyze data, and interpret results to improve health and understand medical phenomena.

Sample job titles:

Biometrician, Biostatistician, Research Scientist, Statistical Scientist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Biostatistician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Biostatistician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$60K per year	$79K per year	$103K per year	$138K per year	$171K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $54K above the national average.

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What does a Biostatistician do?

Work environment

Biostatisticians work in diverse settings, including universities, research institutions, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare organizations. Their environment is typically an office or laboratory setting, with regular hours but potential for extended periods of focused data analysis or research during critical projects.

Quick task list

Designs experiments or clinical trials, determining sample sizes and methodologies.
Analyzes and interprets data from biological experiments and studies.
Collaborates with scientists and researchers in designing studies and discussing findings.
Develops new statistical methods and models to address biological questions.
Prepares reports and research papers to communicate findings.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Trial Design: Specializing in the design and analysis of clinical trials in medicine.
Epidemiology: Focusing on the study of disease patterns, causes, and effects in populations.
Genetic Statistics: Working with genetic data, analyzing patterns and associations.
Environmental Biostatistics: Applying statistical methods to environmental and ecological data.
Pharmaceutical Statistics: Specializing in statistical analysis in drug development and testing.

Description

Biostatisticians are essential in bridging the gap between statistics and the biological sciences. They apply their knowledge of mathematics and statistics to real-world biological and health-related problems. Their work involves not only the application of standard statistical techniques but also the development of new methods tailored to the unique challenges of biological data.

Collaboration is a key part of a biostatistician's role. They often work with scientists and researchers from different disciplines, contributing to a diverse range of projects, from medical research to public health policy. This interdisciplinary aspect requires not only statistical expertise but also a broad understanding of biology and medicine.

The role demands a high level of precision and attention to detail, as the results of their analyses can have significant implications in health and medicine. It also requires strong communication skills to effectively convey complex statistical concepts to non-statisticians and to collaborate effectively on research teams.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to significant advancements in medicine and public health.
The intellectual challenge and ongoing learning in both statistics and biology.
The potential to impact public policy and health outcomes on a large scale.

You might make a good Biostatistician if you are...

Strong in mathematics and have a keen interest in applying it to solve biological problems.
Detail-oriented and capable of handling large datasets with precision.
Curious about medical research and passionate about improving public health.
An effective communicator, able to explain complex statistical information in simpler terms.
Enjoy working collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.

Pros:

High demand in various sectors, including healthcare, government, and academia.
Opportunities to be involved in cutting-edge medical research.
Intellectual satisfaction from solving complex statistical problems.

Cons:

Requires extensive education and specialized training.
Can involve intense periods of data analysis and focus, which may be demanding.
Pressure to produce accurate results, given their significant impact on health decisions and policies.

How to become a Biostatistician

Typical education

Most biostatisticians hold a master's degree in biostatistics, statistics, or a related field, which usually requires 2-3 years of postgraduate study. A doctoral degree may be necessary for higher-level research positions or academia.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
Biology, chemistry, and physics to build a foundation in the sciences.
Computer science to develop skills in data analysis and coding.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in math or science clubs to nurture analytical skills.
Engaging in science fairs or research projects.
Volunteering or interning in healthcare settings to gain exposure to the medical field.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, biology, or a related field.
Considering a master's or Ph.D. in biostatistics or a closely related discipline.
Seeking internships or research opportunities in biostatistics or public health.

More resources

American Statistical Association (ASA) – Biometrics Section - Provides resources and networking opportunities in biostatistics.
International Biometric Society - Offers a platform for knowledge exchange in the biological and medical sciences.
Society for Clinical Trials - Focuses on the development and application of statistical methods in clinical trials.
Biostatistics: A Methodology for the Health Sciences - A comprehensive textbook providing an overview of biostatistical methods.

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