How to Be Epidemiologist/Biostatistician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 16, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The development of COVID-19 has led to a surge in demand for epidemiologists and biostatisticians. As the virus spreads rapidly, epidemiologists are needed to identify and track the source of the virus while biostatisticians are essential to help analyze the data and create models to guide public health responses. By using data-driven strategies, epidemiologists and biostatisticians can help health organizations better understand how the virus is transmitted, how its spread can be contained, and how to effectively allocate resources.

In addition, epidemiologists and biostatisticians can use their skills to develop policies and interventions to reduce the risks of the virus and to provide support to vulnerable populations. Their work is critical in helping to protect the publics health and prevent the spread of the virus.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, public health or epidemiology. This will provide the foundation of knowledge needed to pursue a career in epidemiology.
Get a Master's Degree. A master's degree in epidemiology, biostatistics or a related field is required for most epidemiologist jobs. This degree will lay the groundwork for further study and research.
Consider a Doctoral Degree. A doctoral degree in epidemiology, biostatistics or a related field is necessary for some epidemiologist positions. This degree may also be necessary for research and teaching positions in universities.
Gain Work Experience. Work experience in the field of epidemiology is beneficial for those looking to become an epidemiologist. Working in a research lab or as a research assistant can provide valuable experience and knowledge.
Obtain Certification. Certification as an epidemiologist is not required, but it may be beneficial. Organizations such as the American College of Epidemiology offer certification programs.
Stay Up-to-Date. The field of epidemiology is constantly changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on new developments and trends. Attending seminars and conferences and reading relevant literature can help epidemiologists stay informed.

Epidemiologists and biostatisticians are highly-skilled professionals who are responsible for assessing and interpreting data related to public health and medical research. To be reliable and competent in this field, they must possess an in-depth understanding of epidemiological principles and biostatistical techniques. They must also be adept at using a variety of software, including SAS, SPSS, and Excel, to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Furthermore, they must be able to communicate their findings effectively to other professionals, such as physicians and policy makers. As a result, having a strong background in mathematics and statistics, as well as the ability to work independently, is essential for success as an epidemiologist or biostatistician.

You may want to check Biostatistics Research Scientist, Biostatistics Data Manager, and Biostatistics Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Research Epidemiologist
Clinical Research Epidemiologist
Outbreak Investigator
Program Evaluator
Data Analyst
Biostatistician
Public Health Analyst
Clinical Research Coordinator
Disease Surveillance Analyst
Epidemiology Professor

Skills and Competencies to Have

Fundamental knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health
Extensive experience with data management and analysis
Proficiency in SAS, SPSS, Stata, R, or other statistical software
Ability to interpret and present data in a clear and precise manner
Familiarity with study design, sampling, and ethical considerations
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Capacity to think critically and solve problems efficiently
Knowledge of public health issues and current trends
Commitment to public health-related research and programs

Epidemiologists and biostatisticians are vital members of any healthcare team, as they provide the data necessary to make informed decisions about public health. Their expertise in research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation can be instrumental in helping to identify the causes of disease and how best to address them. A successful epidemiologist or biostatistician must possess a variety of skills, including the ability to use complex statistical software, strong problem-solving skills, and excellent communication and writing abilities.

They must also have an understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as the ability to interpret and analyze data. By using their skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data, epidemiologists and biostatisticians can identify causal relationships between various factors that influence health outcomes, helping to inform healthcare professionals and the public on how best to reduce the risk of disease.

Biostatistics Programmer, Research Associate/Biostatistician, and Research Biostatistician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in epidemiology/biostatistics?
Describe your experience with designing and conducting epidemiological studies.
How would you design an epidemiological study to answer a specific research question?
What challenges have you faced in the past when working with data for epidemiological studies?
How would you go about analyzing data to draw conclusions from a study?
What methods have you found to be successful in interpreting and presenting results of epidemiological studies?
How do you ensure that data is accurate and reliable before an analysis is conducted?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advances in epidemiological and biostatistical research?
What strategies have you used in the past to effectively communicate study results to stakeholders?
How do you ensure that ethical considerations are taken into account when designing and conducting epidemiological studies?

Common Tools in Industry

R/RStudio. A software environment for statistical computing and graphics. (eg: Used to analyze large datasets and generate complex models)
STATA. A software package used for data management, statistical analysis and graphical presentation. (eg: Used to assess the impact of public health interventions on population health outcomes)
SAS. A software suite for statistical analysis and predictive modeling. (eg: Used to predict risk factors associated with diseases)
SPSS. A software package used for data analysis, data mining, and predictive analytics. (eg: Used to identify potential risk factors for outbreaks)
Epi Info. An open-source software package for epidemiologic research, surveillance, and public health practice. (eg: Used to collect and analyze public health data)
ArcGIS. A geographic information system (GIS) used to create maps, analyze spatial relationships, and manage geographic data. (eg: Used to display public health data geographically)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Statistical Association
International Biometric Society
American Public Health Association
International Society for Disease Surveillance
Society for Epidemiologic Research
Infectious Disease Society of America
American College of Epidemiology
American Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems
International Epidemiological Association
Society for Public Health Education

We also have Faculty Biostatistician, Principal Biostatistician, and Biostatistics Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Epidemiology. The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.
Biostatistics. The application of statistical methods to the study of biological phenomena and medical data.
Demography. The scientific study of population size, structure, and change.
Surveillance. The continuous and systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health data used for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice.
Public Health. The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities, and individuals.
Risk Factor. Any attribute, characteristic, or exposure of an individual that is associated with an increased probability of a disease or health-related condition.
Intervention. Any action taken to improve health or prevent disease in individuals or populations.
Outcome Measurement. The process of collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources to evaluate the effectiveness of a health intervention or program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Epidemiologist?

An Epidemiologist is a public health professional who investigates patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.

What does a Biostatistician do?

A Biostatistician is a statistician who specializes in the design and analysis of biological data. They use statistical methods to analyze data from experiments and surveys to answer questions in the field of health and medicine.

What qualifications do you need to be an Epidemiologist?

To become an Epidemiologist, you generally need a minimum of a Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field. Other qualifications include strong analytical, research, and communication skills.

What skills are necessary for a Biostatistician?

A Biostatistician needs strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. They must also have an advanced understanding of statistical methods, data analysis techniques, and software programs.

What is the average salary of an Epidemiologist/Biostatistician?

The average salary of an Epidemiologist is $71,890 per year, while the average salary of a Biostatistician is $87,731 per year.

Web Resources

Welcome | Epidemiology & Biostatistics epibiostat.ucsf.edu
Epidemiology & Biostatistics - College of Public Health UGA publichealth.uga.edu
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | Drexel Dornsife School drexel.edu