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Statistician: Job description and activities

Job description

Statisticians are concerned with the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of quantitative information. They work in a range of sectors including health, education, government, finance, the environment, transportation, market research as well as throughout industry, business and commerce.

Statisticians design and manage experiments and surveys. They deal with the initial collection of data. They process and analyse the data in context, looking for patterns to help make decisions. They advise on findings and recommend strategy.

Statisticians often work in teams, usually including professionals from other disciplines. Strong analytical and IT skills are essential, as are interpersonal and communication skills in order to share findings with colleagues and clients.

Typical work activities

Below is a list of typical work activities undertaken by statisticians as well as specific examples of tasks from different job sectors. Statisticians carry out some or all of the following activities.

Statisticians agree with clients about what data to collect and how it should be gathered - taking into account any ethical and legislative considerations. Examples might include:

• designing experiments to improve the quality of new products;
• designing surveys and conducting focus groups to gather consumer feedback;
• designing experiments to assess the effects of drugs and associated side effects.

Statisticians collect data personally or explain to others how to do it. Examples might include:

• monitoring levels of air pollution;
• measuring the toxicity of food additives;
• checking quality control standards in industry.

Statisticians analyse data, interpret results and indicate the reliability of findings with the aid of mathematical techniques and software. Examples might include:

• forecasting trends for pension providers;
• monitoring, reporting and modelling disease outbreaks;
• evaluating the impact of government policy and reporting to the wider community;
• predicting demand for products and services.

Statisticians interpret and communicate results to clients ensuring that complex statistical concepts are explained in a way they can understand, and advise on strategy. Examples might include:

• providing projections of future student numbers allowing for changes in the birth rate and assessing the number of teachers that will be needed in the sector;
• advising policymakers on key issues such as hospital waiting lists;
• recommending whether folic acid should be included in bread production.

AGCAS

Written by Judith Baines, AGCAS

Last updated:

September 2008

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