Biostatistics applies mathematical and statistical methods to biological and medical data, with job opportunities in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations, health-related industries, and university research groups. Biostatisticians help design studies, analyze data, and prepare reports for regulatory agencies. They study diseases, treatment options, genetic causes, and monitor infectious disease outbreaks. Most jobs require graduate degrees.
Biostatistics, also called biometrics or biometrics, is the application of mathematical and statistical methods to biological and medical data. This is a growing field with job opportunities around the world. Biostatistics jobs are available in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations, health-related industries, and university research groups.
Most governments have regulatory agencies that evaluate research and drug trials and set standards for safety and effectiveness. Biostatistical jobs at pharmaceutical companies require familiarity with these regulations and the ability to help design research programs to meet government mandates. In general, the biostatistician is expected to help design relevant studies, oversee the selection of suitable samples, design questionnaires and statistical programs, and analyze the data. He may also be asked to prepare study reports and information for submission to regulatory agencies.
Biostatistical jobs in hospitals and university research groups often involve studying specific diseases or the effectiveness of certain drugs and treatment options for those diseases. These studies usually follow patients receiving treatments for a specific health problem, such as a specific form of cancer. The results are used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, any short-term or long-term side effects, incidence of recurrence, and other related factors. The role of the biostatistician is critical in performing a scientifically accurate analysis of results.
Disease-related medical research also examines possible contributing factors to disease, such as the role of excess body fat in relation to breast cancer. Some studies look at how other issues, such as nutritional and environmental factors, affect conditions like diabetes and asthma. Other biostatistical works evaluate the effectiveness of dental procedures or the long-term effectiveness of anti-rejection drugs for transplant patients.
A person interested in studying the occurrence of disease in specific population groups may want to consider biostatistical work in the field of epidemiology. This may include studying diseases that tend to occur primarily in certain population groups or geographic regions. Another aspect could be the study of why race and sex increase the likelihood of certain conditions, such as stroke or high blood pressure. Local, national, and global health organizations offer opportunities in these specialties, as do some university-funded research programs.
Other public health biostatistics work involves monitoring infectious disease outbreaks. If patterns of an illness change, or some areas seem more resistant to an outbreak, statistical data will be used to try to determine the cause. Public health organizations also monitor the effects of changes in health-related activities, such as decreasing smoking or increasing exercise. The health impact of environmental issues such as indoor air quality is also being studied in order to develop beneficial labor and public health policies.
Genetic research is another growing field offering biostatistical jobs. Much attention is being paid to identifying genetic causes of the disease and exploring possible ways to block negative genetic influence. Because genetics is so complex, it is critical that the statistical data be based on solid, statistically accurate data.
As medical research advances, the number and variety of biostatistical jobs continues to increase. Candidates must be analytical and detailed. While a person can obtain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree, most jobs require graduate degrees.
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