Statistician : 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

Often with the aid of mathematical techniques and software, statisticians interpret data and communicate results to their clients. They ensure that complex statistical concepts are explained in a way the client can understand and often advise on strategy.

Below is a list of typical work activities undertaken by statisticians:

• agree with clients about what data to collect and how it should be gathered - taking into account any ethical and legislative considerations;
• designing experiments to improve the quality of new products;
• designing experiments to assess the effects of drugs and associated side effects;
• designing surveys and conducting focus groups to gather consumer feedback;
• collecting data to monitor levels of air pollution;
• collecting data to measure the toxicity of food additives;
• checking quality control standards in industry;
• analyse data to forecast 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;
• recommending whether certain items should be included in food production, e.g. folic acid in bread making;
• 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.