Statistician

Summary

Statisticians design and apply statistical techniques for creating, collecting and analysing data to draw conclusions, inform decision-making and direct policy within areas such as science, technology, medicine, education, business, finance and government.

Duties & Tasks

Statisticians may perform the following tasks:

  • define precisely what is to be measured and decide which information to collect and from where
  • work out the size of the sample to be tested and how the sample will be selected
  • decide on the best method of collecting the information, whether by mail-out of questionnaires, experiments or survey interviews (telephone or face-to-face), and create associated measurement tools
  • make sure measurement resources are used efficiently
  • interpret data and produce relevant statistics to describe or infer particular trends and patterns
  • model and predict trends for phenomena such as accidents, pollution, disease outbreaks and economic trends
  • check the validity and reliability of statistical models used in applications
  • fit models using statistical computing environments and packages and develop, code and run statistical computer programs
  • design experiments and trials to test new methods and products
  • evaluate the accuracy of the obtained information, represent data graphically and report findings.

Specialisations

Applied Statistician

An applied statistician analyses data from a variety of sources, including designed experiments and observational studies, and writes statistical programs. Applications include health, medicine, education, industry, government, finance and business.

Biostatistician

A biostatistician studies links between biological problems and their causes in humans, animals, agriculture and botany. They usually work in medical research facilities, universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies or government health departments, and use statistical models to investigate risk factors for health problems.

Epidemiologist

An epidemiologist identifies and studies factors which influence the frequency and distribution of diseases and other health-related events within a population.

Mathematical Statistician

A mathematical statistician develops new statistical theories, modelling approaches and statistical methodologies in a broad variety of contexts.

Working Conditions

Statisticians may work by themselves, but they usually work in a team. The team may include specialists from various fields, as well as clerical and computing staff involved in data collection and analysis.

  • Specialisations

Personal Requirements

  • aptitude for analysis and research
  • good at mathematics
  • good reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • good programming and computer skills
  • good communication skills
  • able to work independently or as part of a team.

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