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Biostatisticians

SOC 15-2041.01Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers biostatistical practice across pharmaceutical clinical trials, academic medical research, epidemiological studies, and regulatory submissions, calibrated to Job Zone 5 advanced-degree practitioners.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Descriptive statistics and summary tables — compute and interpret under faculty or senior biostatistician supervision for assigned clinical or survey datasets.
  2. Statistical analysis software (SAS, R, or Python) — execute pre-written program code and verify output under guidance in a research computing environment.
  3. Sample size calculations — apply standard formulas to estimate requirements for straightforward clinical study designs with direction from a senior statistician.
  4. Longitudinal and cross-sectional data structures — distinguish and describe appropriate analytical approaches during structured research team meetings.
  5. Graphs and tables for clinical data — prepare draft visualizations using spreadsheet or graphics software in accordance with sponsor or journal style guidelines.
  6. Peer-reviewed biostatistics literature — read and summarize recent methodological articles to support team awareness of current analytical developments.
  7. Statistical analysis plans (SAPs) — contribute assigned sections to draft documents under close review by a senior biostatistician.
  8. Data quality and anomalies — identify and flag inconsistencies in clinical or survey datasets during routine data-cleaning tasks.
  9. Research protocols — review assigned sections to extract analytical requirements under the direction of the lead study statistician.
  10. Regulatory and ethical standards for data handling — follow established protocols for data privacy and integrity in a pharmaceutical or academic research setting.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Logistic regression and mixed-effects models — implement and interpret independently for moderately complex clinical or epidemiological datasets with periodic peer review.
  2. Statistical program code — write, test, and document analysis scripts in R or SAS for assigned study objectives in a collaborative research environment.
  3. Clinical study sample size requirements — calculate and justify estimates for standard Phase II or III trial designs, presenting assumptions to the research team.
  4. Analysis plans and methods sections — draft complete, detailed SAPs for research protocols and revise based on feedback from principal investigators.
  5. Predictive conclusions from model outputs — draw and communicate data-driven inferences to cross-functional teams including clinicians and life scientists.
  6. Model-building and variable selection techniques — apply stepwise, LASSO, or information-criterion approaches for multivariable analyses in observational studies.
  7. Tables and figures for study reports — produce publication-quality displays that comply with regulatory submission or manuscript formatting standards.
  8. Professional conferences and methodology workshops — attend and synthesize emerging approaches in biostatistics and pharmacology for internal team knowledge sharing.
  9. Collaborative study design — contribute statistical expertise to protocol development discussions with physicians and life scientists on multi-site research projects.
  10. Version-controlled code repositories — manage analysis scripts using Git or equivalent file-versioning software within a shared research infrastructure.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex longitudinal and survival analyses — design, execute, and interpret independently across the full analytical scope of Phase I–IV clinical trials or large population-based studies.
  2. Advanced model-building strategies — select and validate mixed-effect, Bayesian, or machine-learning approaches for non-routine biostatistical challenges in drug development or public health research.
  3. Comprehensive statistical analysis plans — author end-to-end SAPs for multi-arm, adaptive, or complex observational study designs without supervisory review.
  4. Sample size and power determinations for novel designs — derive requirements for adaptive, platform, or basket trial designs, accounting for multiple endpoints and interim analyses.
  5. Quantitative predictions and regulatory conclusions — synthesize statistical evidence and articulate actionable findings for FDA submissions, IRB reports, or peer-reviewed publications.
  6. Custom analytical software tools — develop and validate reproducible R packages, SAS macros, or Python modules that extend team analytical capabilities across multiple projects.
  7. Data mining and integrated database queries — extract, link, and harmonize data from electronic health records, claims, or genomic databases to support research objectives.
  8. Methodological literature — critically evaluate and adapt novel statistical methods from current publications for immediate application in ongoing research programs.
  9. Cross-disciplinary study design — lead collaborative protocol development with clinicians, pharmacologists, and regulatory scientists to ensure statistical rigor from conception through dissemination.
  10. Scientific writing and oral presentation — produce high-quality manuscripts, technical reports, and conference presentations that communicate complex biostatistical findings to diverse audiences.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational biostatistics strategy — define methodological standards, tool selection, and analytical governance frameworks across an enterprise research portfolio or academic department.
  2. Emerging quantitative methods — evaluate, pilot, and institutionalize novel approaches (e.g., estimands, real-world evidence frameworks, causal inference methods) to advance the organization's scientific capabilities.
  3. Junior and mid-level biostatisticians — mentor, train, and evaluate staff through structured coaching, code review, and professional development planning in a large research organization.
  4. Regulatory strategy and agency interactions — lead statistical discussions with FDA, EMA, or comparable bodies, representing the organization's analytical positions in pre-submission and advisory meetings.
  5. Cross-functional research partnerships — establish and steward collaborative relationships with clinical development, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and commercial teams to align statistical methodology with business and scientific objectives.
  6. Grant and contract proposals — provide strategic statistical leadership for large multi-site NIH, industry, or government funding applications, ensuring scientific rigor and competitive differentiation.
  7. Institutional data infrastructure and systems — oversee design and evaluation of enterprise analytical platforms, database environments, and reproducible research pipelines at organizational scale.
  8. Publication and dissemination programs — set quality and integrity standards for statistical content across all manuscripts, regulatory dossiers, and public-facing scientific communications.
  9. Field-level thought leadership — represent the organization at national conferences, editorial boards, and professional societies, shaping methodological discourse in biostatistics and life sciences.
  10. Ethical and compliance culture — champion principles of statistical integrity, transparency in reporting, and responsible data use across research teams and institutional governance structures.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature review — uses an LLM to summarize recent biostatistics and pharmacology publications, then reads primary sources to verify accuracy before incorporating findings into background sections Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic syntax delegation — submits well-specified statistical code requests (e.g., descriptive tables, simple regression templates) to an AI assistant and checks the output against expected results by hand Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Sample size scaffolding — directs an AI tool to draft initial power and sample size calculations for clinical studies, then independently verifies assumptions and recalculates using validated software before reporting Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Analysis plan drafting — uses an LLM to generate a first-pass structured analysis plan from a study protocol, then critically revises methodology, estimands, and handling of missing data to meet regulatory or journal standards Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Code review acceleration — hands off candidate R or SAS code for mixed-effect models or logistic regression to an AI assistant, validates output against reference datasets, and corrects any modeling errors before finalizing Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Longitudinal model specification — directs an AI agent through iterative model-building steps for complex longitudinal analyses, retaining authorship of covariate selection, correlation structure choices, and inferential framing Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Statistical narrative generation — delegates production of results-section prose and summary tables to an AI tool, then edits for scientific precision, appropriate uncertainty quantification, and alignment with pre-registered analysis plans Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Methodological gap identification — uses AI-generated literature syntheses to rapidly surface emerging biostatistical methods, then critically evaluates their applicability and limitations before adopting them in study designs Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Regulatory submission support — leverages AI to accelerate drafting of statistical analysis sections in clinical study reports, applying expert judgment to ensure compliance with ICH E9 and relevant guidance documents Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI autonomy governance — sets explicit task boundaries for AI agents handling routine statistical sub-tasks (e.g., automated sensitivity analyses, bootstrap replications), auditing outputs for validity and documenting human oversight decisions in the analysis record Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Displacement-risk mitigation strategy — identifies which biostatistical tasks fall in the high-displacement quadrant of the AI Impact Matrix and redesigns team workflows so that AI handles high-volume computation while human expertise is concentrated on causal reasoning, estimand definition, and scientific interpretation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Cross-disciplinary AI integration — leads the adoption of AI-augmented pipelines spanning data management, statistical modeling, and clinical reporting, establishing validation standards and training junior biostatisticians on responsible AI collaboration practices Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 512
Augment share: 51.2%
Time saved: 81.3%
AI autonomy: 3.18
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Mathematics
Score: 73.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q1_high_displacement_risk
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Artificial Intelligence
artificial_intelligence
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Statistical findings summary — translates basic regression output into plain-language descriptions for non-statistician colleagues in research team meetings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Analysis plan draft — writes structured sections of statistical analysis plans using standard templates under senior biostatistician guidance O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Results narrative — explains longitudinal analysis findings and confidence intervals to clinical investigators during protocol review sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Data visualization communication — prepares tables and graphs that accurately represent clinical trial results for inclusion in research reports and manuscripts O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Technical writing — drafts methods sections describing model-building techniques and statistical approaches in regulatory submissions or journal manuscripts O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cross-disciplinary briefing — presents complex mixed-effect modeling conclusions to physicians, life scientists, and study sponsors using audience-appropriate language and visual aids Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol communication — writes detailed statistical analysis plans covering sample size rationale, endpoint definitions, and analytic strategies for IRB and regulatory review O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening in collaboration — elicits precise research questions and endpoint priorities from clinical partners through structured dialogue before study design begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Regulatory testimony — delivers authoritative oral and written statistical arguments to FDA advisory committees or data safety monitoring boards, translating complex biostatistical evidence into actionable regulatory conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Methodological publication — authors peer-reviewed papers introducing novel biostatistical methods, communicating theoretical foundations and applied implications to both statistical and scientific audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Organizational dissemination — establishes reporting standards and communication templates for statistical findings across a research organization, ensuring consistency and scientific rigor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Study contribution ownership — takes initiative in completing assigned analytic tasks for clinical studies, flagging data anomalies to senior biostatisticians without prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer support — shares SAS or R programming code solutions with junior analysts on shared research projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Analytical project coordination — leads discrete statistical workstreams within multi-site clinical trials, setting timelines and quality checkpoints for deliverables Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Junior mentorship — guides graduate-level interns through application of logistic regression and model diagnostics in real study datasets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Study team leadership — directs the statistical operations of a clinical trial from design through final analysis, coordinating data managers, programmers, and clinicians toward protocol milestones Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Decision accountability — takes responsibility for sample size recommendations and primary analysis approach when presenting to study sponsors and steering committees Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Methodological direction — steers selection of analytic strategies across multiple concurrent studies, resolving disputes between statistical rigor and operational feasibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Departmental vision — builds and leads a biostatistics team, establishing hiring criteria, mentorship structures, and methodological standards that elevate organizational research quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Scientific leadership — shapes the statistical design agenda for a research institution or pharmaceutical program, influencing which methodological innovations are adopted and operationalized Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Field development — mentors emerging biostatisticians through formal training programs, conference presentations, and co-authorship, expanding the profession's human capital Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes limitations in own understanding of survival analysis or mixed-model assumptions and seeks targeted resources to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Error reflection — reviews rejected or revised statistical code to identify systematic reasoning errors rather than surface syntax mistakes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Methodological self-assessment — evaluates own analytic choices against current literature after study completion to identify where alternative approaches would have been superior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conference learning planning — sets explicit learning objectives before attending biostatistics or pharmacology conferences to focus attention on applicable methodological advances Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Analytic strategy monitoring — tracks assumptions underlying chosen statistical models throughout a study lifecycle, adjusting plans when interim data reveal violations of model prerequisites Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge currency audit — systematically reviews own competency against emerging methods such as Bayesian adaptive designs or machine learning integration, building structured development plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Epistemological reflection — articulates the boundaries and assumptions of biostatistical inference to research teams, embedding intellectual humility into study interpretation and publication practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentored metacognitive development — teaches junior biostatisticians to monitor their own analytic reasoning by embedding structured self-review checkpoints into team workflow processes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking10 statements
Emerging
  1. Data quality interrogation — identifies implausible values or distributional anomalies in clinical datasets before proceeding with descriptive statistical analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption checking — tests basic model assumptions such as normality and homoscedasticity before applying standard regression techniques in supervised analyses O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Evidence evaluation — assesses the methodological quality of published biostatistical analyses when reviewing literature to inform study design decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Confounding identification — identifies potential confounders in observational study data and selects appropriate adjustment strategies within multivariable modeling frameworks O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conclusion validation — evaluates whether statistical predictions drawn from model outputs are logically consistent with study design constraints and biological plausibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex model selection — applies systematic criteria to choose among longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, and Bayesian approaches based on data structure, research question, and regulatory context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Bias risk analysis — evaluates selection bias, measurement error, and missing data mechanisms in clinical trial datasets, recommending sensitivity analyses to bound inferential conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Competing interpretation resolution — adjudicates between conflicting analytic interpretations from clinical and statistical team members using structured evidentiary reasoning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Regulatory inference critique — provides expert critical review of competitor or external statistical methodologies in regulatory settings, identifying flawed assumptions and their impact on approval decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Paradigm challenge — identifies fundamental limitations in prevailing biostatistical approaches applied to a disease area and constructs rigorous arguments for methodological revision in peer-reviewed venues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Interdisciplinary integration — participates constructively in study design meetings with physicians and life scientists, contributing statistical perspective while respecting clinical domain expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Data sharing coordination — coordinates with data managers to clarify variable definitions and coding conventions needed for planned statistical analyses O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Protocol co-development — collaborates with clinical investigators to translate scientific hypotheses into statistically testable endpoints and appropriate analytic frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional feedback — receives and incorporates input from pharmacologists and clinical scientists on biological plausibility of statistical model specifications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multidisciplinary research design — leads collaborative study design sessions integrating statistical, clinical, regulatory, and operational expertise to produce feasible and scientifically rigorous protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation — mediates disagreements between clinical urgency and statistical validity requirements in trial design negotiations, achieving workable consensus without compromising analytic integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Shared goal alignment — establishes common success criteria with physician and life scientist collaborators at study outset, ensuring statistical deliverables map directly to scientific and regulatory needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Consortium leadership — coordinates statistical methodology across multi-institutional research consortia, harmonizing analytic approaches and resolving cross-site data integration challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative culture building — designs cross-functional team norms and workflows that integrate biostatistics into early-stage research planning rather than treating it as a downstream service Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data integrity commitment — reports data anomalies and coding errors transparently, even when corrections delay analysis timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Confidentiality adherence — handles patient-level clinical trial data in strict compliance with IRB protocols and data use agreements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Analytical honesty — presents unfavorable or null statistical findings to study sponsors with the same rigor and completeness as favorable results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability in errors — acknowledges programming or analytic errors discovered post-delivery, documents the impact, and leads the correction process Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Publication integrity — authors statistical methods and results sections that fully disclose analytical decisions, deviations from pre-specified plans, and multiplicity considerations without selective omission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical study design advocacy — raises concerns about underpowered study designs or inappropriate endpoints to research sponsors, prioritizing scientific validity over contractual convenience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict of interest transparency — discloses sponsor relationships and funding sources in all statistical reports and publications, maintaining independence of analytic conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research ethics leadership — establishes and enforces analytic integrity standards across a biostatistics team, including pre-registration of analysis plans and independent replication requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Whistleblower courage — formally challenges data manipulation or selective reporting practices within research programs, accepting professional risk to uphold scientific integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Visualization experimentation — explores alternative graphical representations of survival curves or subgroup analyses to find the most informative display format for a specific audience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Code innovation — develops novel programming shortcuts or macros that improve efficiency of repeated statistical procedures in SAS or R environments O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Adaptive analysis design — proposes creative modifications to standard analytic frameworks to accommodate unusual data structures or non-standard outcome measures in clinical studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Simulation-based problem solving — constructs Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the performance of competing analytic strategies under realistic clinical trial conditions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Novel method application — identifies and adapts emerging biostatistical methods from current literature to address design challenges not covered by standard regulatory guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Innovative study design — develops creative adaptive trial designs that improve efficiency and ethical performance compared to traditional parallel-group randomized controlled trials Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-domain synthesis — integrates statistical approaches from social science methodology into biomedical research designs to address complex behavioral health endpoints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Methodological invention — develops original biostatistical methods that advance the field, publishing theoretical and applied work that other researchers adopt across disease areas Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research design paradigm shift — pioneers novel study architectures such as platform trials or basket designs that reframe how a disease area conducts evidence generation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Literature engagement — reads current biostatistics and pharmacology journals regularly to identify methods that extend current analytic capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback receptivity — incorporates peer reviewer and collaborator critiques of statistical analyses into revised approaches rather than defending initial choices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Methodological stretch — voluntarily undertakes analyses using unfamiliar techniques such as Bayesian hierarchical models or causal inference frameworks to expand analytic repertoire Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conference learning application — applies methodological insights from biostatistics conferences to active studies within one review cycle of attendance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Setback recovery — redesigns analytic strategy after data quality failures or protocol amendments without loss of scientific rigor or stakeholder confidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill development planning — constructs multi-year professional development plans targeting emerging areas such as machine learning integration or real-world evidence methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Challenge seeking — proactively pursues assignment to analytically complex studies that require acquisition of new statistical competencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field evolution leadership — champions adoption of emerging biostatistical paradigms within a research organization, modeling continuous learning and productive discomfort for junior colleagues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Failure institutionalization — builds structured post-study retrospectives into team workflow so that analytic missteps systematically generate organizational learning rather than individual blame Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management — applies focused concentration during complex data cleaning and code review tasks to minimize transcription and logic errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation — maintains composure when clinical collaborators challenge statistical conclusions in high-stakes study review meetings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Deliberate analysis pacing — pauses before finalizing primary analysis outputs to intentionally verify that conclusions align with pre-specified analysis plans rather than exploratory findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Meeting presence — gives full attentional engagement during cross-disciplinary study design discussions, tracking both statistical and clinical reasoning threads simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-pressure intentionality — maintains methodological rigor and analytical objectivity during accelerated regulatory submission timelines by applying deliberate workflow prioritization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive load management — structures complex multi-study workloads using intentional task-switching protocols that preserve analytic accuracy across simultaneous project demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Bias awareness — actively monitors own analytical decisions for confirmation bias and anchoring effects when interpreting ambiguous statistical results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team mindfulness culture — models and teaches intentional analytical practice to junior biostatisticians, embedding pre-analysis checklists and structured reflection into team quality assurance processes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder attunement — reads emotional and political dynamics in sponsor-investigator relationships during data review meetings, adjusting communication approach to maintain scientific objectivity under external pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence through complexity — continues iterative model refinement when initial logistic regression specifications produce poor fit rather than defaulting to simpler inadequate solutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deadline resilience — maintains analytic quality standards when study timelines compress due to protocol amendments or data delivery delays Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Null result perseverance — completes rigorous analysis and reporting of studies with null or unexpected findings, resisting pressure to selectively present favorable subgroup results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Methodological uncertainty tolerance — works productively through extended periods of analytic uncertainty when no established method cleanly addresses a novel research question Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Regulatory challenge endurance — sustains statistical defense of study methodology through multiple rounds of regulatory agency queries, providing consistent and evidence-grounded responses without capitulating to pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained complex project ownership — maintains scientific and analytic rigor across multi-year longitudinal studies despite personnel changes, funding uncertainties, and evolving regulatory landscapes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Adversarial environment navigation — defends statistically sound but commercially inconvenient conclusions to study sponsors, maintaining professional integrity under sustained organizational pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crisis leadership — leads statistical operations teams through major study failures, regulatory setbacks, or data integrity crises, restoring team function and research credibility through sustained professional courage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Field-level advocacy — publicly challenges and works to correct entrenched methodological malpractices in biomedical research despite professional resistance, demonstrating sustained fortitude in service of scientific integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Bioinformatics Scientist · Biomathematician · Biometrician · Biostatistical Consultant · Biostatistician · Clinical Biostatistician · NGS Biostatistician (Next-Generation Sequencing) · Postdoctoral Fellow · Research Biostatistician · Research Scientist · Statistical Programmer · Statistical Scientist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
MathematicsCritical ThinkingActive LearningReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingScienceJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingActive ListeningWritingProgrammingLearning StrategiesSystems AnalysisInstructingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementMonitoringCoordinationOperations Analysis
Knowledge domains
MathematicsEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsMedicine and Dentistry
Abilities
Mathematical ReasoningInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingProblem SensitivitySpeech ClarityWritten Expression
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailDependabilityAchievement OrientationIntegrityCautiousness
Technology
Operating system softwareObject or component oriented development softwareData base user interface and query softwareData mining softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareEnterprise application integration softwareFile versioning softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb platform development softwareSpreadsheet software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
  2. Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
  3. Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
  4. Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
  5. Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences, and social sciences.
  6. Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
  7. Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
  8. Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.
CIP education codes
13.060313.060413.060813.069926.110126.110226.131127.010127.030127.030427.050127.050227.050327.059927.060130.490130.700130.709930.710130.710230.719942.270845.010245.010345.060352.1302

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.