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

May 2, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician is critical to the successful completion of any clinical research project. This role requires a deep understanding of statistical principles and an ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. The work of a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician involves coordinating with other members of the research team, interpreting data and creating analyses and reports.

As a result, the accuracy of the data and the accuracy of the analysis have a direct effect on the success of the research project. In addition, their expertise in programming and software allows them to develop data visualizations, automate data collection and manage databases. their work drives the success of clinical trials and medical research projects, helping to improve patient care and medical treatments.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a statistical programmer/biostatistician is to obtain an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as mathematics, statistics, or computer science. A Bachelor's degree is typically required to gain entry-level positions in the field.
Consider Graduate School. While a Bachelor's degree is often enough to qualify for some entry-level positions, earning a Master's degree in biostatistics or a related field may increase your chances of finding employment and allow you to pursue more advanced roles.
Gain Experience. Once you have your degree, you should look for opportunities to gain experience in the field. This could include internships or volunteering with organizations that use statistical programming or biostatistics.
Develop Your Skills. In order to be successful as a statistical programmer/biostatistician, it is important to have experience with the various software and programming languages used in the field. You should make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest programming languages and technologies.
Network. Finally, it is important to develop a network of contacts in the field. Networking can help you find job opportunities and stay informed about developments in the field.

The role of a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician is essential for any organization that relies on data to inform their decisions. Ideal and efficient performance from this role requires a combination of technical and analytical skills, an understanding of the statistical software used to analyze and interpret data, and the ability to communicate findings in a clear, concise manner. A successful Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician must be able to work with large datasets, identify trends, develop algorithms, and generate meaningful insights that can inform strategies and decisions. The successful execution of these tasks has a direct effect on the quality of data analysis and decision-making within the organization, leading to improved outcomes and overall success.

You may want to check Associate Biostatistician, Epidemiologist/Biostatistician, and Biostatistics Data Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop statistical analyses for clinical trials and observational studies;
Develop, review, and validate SAS programs for data analysis;
Develop tables, listings and figures for clinical trial and observational studies;
Perform statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, multivariable analysis, survival analysis, and meta-analysis;
Prepare statistical and programming related reports for internal and external customers;
Create and maintain SAS programs for generating data sets and reporting results;
Collaborate with biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and other research staff to develop study designs, analyze data and interpret results;
Contribute to protocol development and provide guidance on study design;
Evaluate potential sources of bias and confounding in study designs;
Provide guidance on statistical methods and techniques to other members of the research team;
Participate in the development of project plans, timelines, and budgets;
Present results of statistical analyses in scientific meetings;
Read, interpret, and apply relevant literature to study designs;
Identify opportunities for improvement in the programming process;
Develop new methods for analyzing data;
Prepare documents for regulatory submission;
Participate in presentations of statistical results to internal and external stakeholders;
Develop user-friendly software for data analysis;
Manage data files, including ensuring accuracy of data entry, coding variables, and creating datasets;
Train other programming personnel on SAS programming techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of statistical software packages such as SAS, R, or STATA
Knowledge of biostatistical principles and methods
Ability to develop, validate and maintain complex statistical models
Ability to interpret and explain complex data sets
Understanding of clinical trial design and data analysis
Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to develop and maintain accurate documentation
Knowledge of regulatory standards and guidelines

An important skill for a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician to have is an understanding of statistical principles and programming languages. This understanding allows them to analyze, interpret, and visualize data in meaningful ways. they need to have a strong knowledge of the software and tools used to create statistical models and datasets.

Furthermore, they must be familiar with the mathematics and techniques used to draw conclusions from the data. Lastly, they must be able to communicate their findings clearly and effectively to colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. All of these skills are necessary for a successful Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician to be able to accurately assess and make sense of data.

Research Associate/Biostatistician, Biostatistics Manager, and Postdoctoral Fellow/Biostatistician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in programming for data analysis?
What software / programming languages are you most familiar with?
How have you incorporated statistical methods into your previous projects?
Describe a project where you had to use advanced statistical analysis techniques.
What challenges have you faced in designing and implementing statistical models?
Explain how you would use multiple regression analysis to address a research question.
How do you manage the data collection, cleaning and analysis process?
How do you evaluate the accuracy and validity of the data analysis results?
How do you ensure that the data meets the requirements of the project?
What is your experience in developing reports or presentations based on statistical data analysis?

Common Tools in Industry

SAS. Statistical Analysis System (SAS) is a comprehensive software suite for data management, statistical analysis and data visualization. Example: SAS can be used to analyze clinical trial data and produce statistical reports.
R. R is a free and open-source programming language for statistical computing and graphics. Example: R can be used for data manipulation, statistical analysis and to create graphical representations of data.
SPSS. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is a popular statistical software package used in research. Example: SPSS can be used to analyze survey data and create descriptive statistics.
STATA. STATA is a statistical software package used for data analysis and data management. Example: STATA can be used to fit linear models, perform hypothesis tests and generate graphical data visualizations.
MATLAB. MATLAB is a software package for scientific computing, statistical analysis and visualization. Example: MATLAB can be used to write algorithms, simulate systems, and visualize data.

Professional Organizations to Know

International Biometric Society
American Statistical Association
Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium
Drug Information Association
International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering
SAS Global Forum
Society for Clinical Trials
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
American Medical Informatics Association
Association of Clinical Data Management

We also have Clinical Biostatistician, Faculty Biostatistician, and Biostatistics Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Clinical Trials. A study conducted with human participants to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a medical treatment, or to identify the best way to provide a medical treatment.
Data Management. The process of collecting, organizing, and storing data in an efficient and secure manner.
SAS Programming Language. A computer programming language used to analyze and manage data, create reports, and generate graphs.
Clinical Data Analysis. The use of statistical techniques to analyze clinical trial data in order to explore relationships between variables, identify patterns, and draw conclusions.
Biostatistics. The application of statistical techniques to biological data in order to analyze and interpret the results.
Database Design. The process of creating a database structure for efficient storage and retrieval of data.
Statistical Modeling. The use of mathematical models to predict the behavior of a system or population based on existing data.
Clinical Research. The research that is done to investigate treatments, interventions, and other aspects of healthcare, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician?

A Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician is a professional who uses their knowledge of programming and statistics to analyze, interpret and present data for research studies and clinical trials in the healthcare and biotechnology fields.

What skills are required for a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician?

A Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician must possess strong analytical skills, be proficient in programming languages such as SAS and R, and have a solid understanding of statistical principles and practices.

What career opportunities are available for a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician?

Career opportunities for a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician include positions with pharmaceutical companies, medical research organizations, universities, and consulting firms.

What is the average salary of a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician?

The average salary of a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician is approximately $97,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What qualifications are typically required to become a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician?

Typically, a bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, or related fields is required to become a Statistical Programmer/Biostatistician. Additionally, experience with SAS and R programming, as well as familiarity with statistical methods, is beneficial.

Web Resources

Biostatistician / Programmer Georgetown University careers.ecampus.oregonstate.edu
Biostatistician - Stanford University Careers careersearch.stanford.edu
Intern, Statistical Programmer Co-ops + Careers | Wentworth coopsandcareers.wit.edu