Biometrics is the science of collecting and analysing biologic or health data using statistical methods. Working in the field of Biometrics and SAS can be challenging and interesting, enabling our candidates to be very influential within the Clinical Development Team. A typical biostatistician working in clinical development will provide statistical support to a clinical study through its conception, design, conduct, analysis and reporting.
Clinical biostatisticians work in all of the four phases of clinical development, adhering to regulatory guidance documents. Biostatisticians may also become involved in the analysis of efficiency and safety data, which are both integrated across studies in an appropriate manner. Biostatisticians at all levels tend to work globally and, as a result, the ability to communicate through various technologies is as important as face-to-face meetings. Experienced biostatisticians may take on responsibility for all statistical activities for a particular drug or device, supervising the work of other biostatisticians on the project, and providing statistical input to the clinical development plan and regulatory strategy.
Programming is another integral skill of a biostatistician. Working in this area encompasses a variety of elements, increasing the responsibility of the biostatistician for processing and summarising data collected throughout the medicine’s development. These summaries will form a fundamental part of the final documentation, which will be required to show that the medicine is safe and effective.
The biostatistician’s role varies considerably from day to day. A day in the life of a biostatistician will include the preparation of analysis plans and the writing of detailed specifications for these files, consistency checks, and communication with clients regarding statistical analysis issues. Another day may include interpreting analyses and writing statistical sections of study reports. The work conducted by biostatisticians relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A wide degree of creativity and focus is expected. The candidate will typically report to a manager or head of a unit/department.
A career in Biometrics generally requires candidates to have an MSc and a PH.D. Candidates going into programming require a BSc in programming.
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