Biostatistician Resume Example
Starting a career as a biostatistician gives you the chance to gain experience in analyzing clinical data and collaborating with FDA. For a successful biostatistician application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your biostatistician applications.
The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a resume that positions you to succeed in your biostatistician applications. You'll find valuable tips on writing a resume that best showcases your unique skills and achievements. There is also extensive guidance on how to structure your resume to match the job description, and to reflect your experience levels to impress HR specialists and employers. Continue reading to find expert tips and advice from Jobseeker that will help you with your biostatistician resume.
Core sections to include in a biostatistician resume
Most resumes contain similar key sections, with a biostatistician resume being no different.
A functional or skills-based resume format might be best for applications where you have little or no relevant biostatistician experience. This layout prioritizes your skills and education sections above your work experience. Soft and transferable skills are often more highly valued by employers for junior roles, so highlight these. Also add any internships, volunteer work or training courses you've undertaken.
When applying for mid-level biostatistician positions, it's typically best to opt for a reverse-chronological resume format. This is because work experience tends to be the most important resume section for this level. By using this resume format you can focus on showing how your experience has helped you develop the required skills for the job. Review the job description to understand which key skills and experience to focus on.
For senior biostatistician applications, concentrate on your work experience and any accolades or achievements that prove your status as a highly experienced candidate. Use a reverse-chronological resume format with additional sections. Your senior resume will likely be more comprehensive than resumes for more junior roles. You can add extra details about your career, such as awards, publications presentations, professional memberships or certifications.
The order you present these sections can vary according to your career stage, but it's still essential to include each of the following:
Resume Header
A biostatistician resume header contains your name and contact information. Add your first and last name, your phone number and your email address. Include your address or location, but avoid adding any other personal information. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can add the URL to your header so the hiring manager can get a better understanding of your work history and experience. Create a clear, well-structured header that acts as the headline of your resume. Use color accents and blocks to help this section stand out and catch the eye of the reader.
Use an email address that's professional and appropriate for professional communication. Typically this would be an email address based on your first and last name, or your initials. If necessary, you could include your profession or another unique identifier. Avoid using old email addresses that could be considered unprofessional or inappropriate. Additionally, always check your contact details before sending your resume to ensure they're up-to-date.
Emery Gray
emery.gray@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
10 Downing Street, London, CA
linkedin․com/in/emery–gray123
Resume Summary
Next, write a short paragraph to introduce yourself. You could also call this section 'resume summary' or 'personal profile'. In two or three sentences, explain your professional background, achievements and key skills. If you choose to write a resume summary, this focuses on your career experience to date. On the other hand, a resume objective addresses your future plans and career ambitions. However, make sure you keep your resume summary short and snappy, and focused on the skills and experience listed in the job description.
Alternatively, focus on introducing your career ambitions, and why this role is a good fit, both for you and the organization.
A great resume summary should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for biostatistician roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description and provide evidence to support them. It should also introduce your personality and unique qualities to the reader, to help them start to form an opinion about you as a candidate. The graphic below showcases some good examples of what to include in your biostatistician resume summary.
Dynamic and detail-oriented biostatistician with a Master of Science in Biostatistics and extensive experience as a Senior Biostatistician. Proficient in advanced statistical methodologies, data analysis, and interpretation within clinical and public health research. Demonstrated expertise in designing and analyzing clinical trials, managing large datasets, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to drive data-driven decision-making. Strong background in statistical software and programming languages, with a proven track record of contributing to high-impact research projects and publications
Worked with numbers and data in health-related areas. Have a degree in something related to statistics. Did some work with teams and looked at data for projects. Used some computer programs to handle data and wrote about findings. Involved in projects that needed data analysis and worked with others to make decisions based on data
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. The visual above includes some examples of what not to do with your biostatistician resume summary
Employment History
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as a biostatistician. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
Also include some bullet points for each job mentioned, showcasing your achievements so the employer can see the impact you made on the company. Pay attention to the job description and make sure each point is relevant to biostatistician roles.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. Review some strong examples of resume work experience sections in the graphic below.
Senior Biostatistician, January 2022 - Present
BioStat Solutions Inc, Honolulu
- Led statistical analysis for pivotal clinical trial, contributing to FDA approval of a novel oncology drug
- Developed advanced predictive models, improving patient outcome forecasting accuracy by 30%
- Managed a biostatistics team in multi-center studies, enhancing data quality and compliance with regulatory standards
Senior Biostatistician, January 2022 - Present
BioStat Solutions Inc, Honolulu
- Assisted with various projects and tasks, supporting team objectives and contributing to overall success
- Participated in meetings and discussions, offering insights and suggestions to improve processes
- Collaborated with colleagues to achieve departmental goals and enhance team performance
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. A bad resume work experience section might fail to address skills and achievements that relate directly to the job description. Falling back on clichés, vague descriptions and basic responsibilities, rather than showing the impact you made, is likely to disengage the reader.
Education
In this section list any educational qualifications or degrees that are relevant to biostatistician roles.
If you're applying for biostatistician positions you'll typically need to have a degree. A Bachelor of Science in Statistics will usually help your chances of success. You could also list any qualifications that demonstrate your clinical trial design or data analysis techniques.
Include any qualifications relevant to the role. For each, add the name and level of the award, the institution name, its location and your dates of study. You can also add some bullet points outlining any high grades, awards you won or specialist subjects you studied. Adding this information will show the employer your dedication to learning and your areas of specialist knowledge.
Additionally, mentioning any leadership roles or any societies and clubs you participated in while studying shows proactivity and initiative.
Master of Science in Biostatistics, 2017 - 2020
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
Publications and Projects
Including resume sections for key projects and publications can really help your chances of success with biostatistician applications. These help to demonstrate your expert knowledge and your standing within the academic community. Think about any key projects you've been involved in, and particularly any that are well-known or respected in the industry. Add published works such as books, chapters, journal articles or contributions to mainstream publications, including magazine and newspaper articles.
Choose between the Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA) citation styles for your publications. While MLA is more common for humanities subjects, APA is preferred for scientific and engineering disciplines. Both include variations on the following information: author name, year of publication, article title (if necessary), publication name, volume, issue, page numbers and publisher. See below for an appropriate (APA-style) publication example to include in your biostatistician resume.
Emery Gray. How Biostatistician is Shaping the Future of Science. Published in The Global Times, 2009.
Hard and Soft Skills
The skills section is one of the main ways to show employers you've got the skills required for biostatistician roles. Whether your skills include data analysis techniques, problem-solving ability or any other useful skills for the role, you'll want to list them here. Additionally, read the job description to make sure your skills match those required for biostatistician positions. You could also include some unique skills that help you stand out as a candidate.
Showcasing hard skills on your biostatistician resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as a biostatistician. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, these skills are essential for a biostatistician resume as they showcase your expertise in the field. Aim to include four or five key hard skills. If you have space, explain how and where you've used that skill to create successful outcomes in your career. These skills will demonstrate your credentials and show how you meet the job description.
If you want to make a strong impression with your hard skills list, focus on hard skills that align with your specific industry expertise, and that reflect the job description. For inspiration on the right type of hard skills for a biostatistician resume, see below.
- Statistical software proficiency
- Data analysis techniques
- Clinical trial design
Listing soft skills on your biostatistician resume
In your list of soft skills, add any personal strengths, qualities or transferable skills that make you a good fit for the job. Soft skills are often less specific to different industries, but that doesn't make them any less important. Indeed, without soft skills, you may struggle to adapt to biostatistician roles or meet the standards expected of you. So make sure you include several key soft skills on your resume. It's best to aim for four or five soft skills that match the job description and reflect your strongest personal qualities.
A strong soft skills section should play to your strengths, listing skills that reflect your personal qualities while also reflecting the skills listed in the job description. For some examples of good soft skills for a biostatistician resume, see below.
- Analytical thinking
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving ability
Jobseeker Tip:
Tailor your resume to emphasize transferable skills gained from research, such as data analysis, project management, or technical writing, ensuring they align with the job description. (1) Use concise and precise language to maintain a professional tone that resonates with both academic and non-academic audiences. (2)
Certifications and Training
In this section, include any biostatistician certifications, training or licenses you hold that are relevant to the job. You could list accreditations for certain professional roles or licenses for certain activities that help to make you a strong candidate. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Read on to see some relevant example certifications for a biostatistician resume:
- SAS Certified Specialist, 2022
- Certified Biostatistics Professional, 2022
- R Programming Certification, 2022
Optional Resume Sections
To provide further information on your suitability for the role, you could add some optional sections to a biostatistician resume. Pick from the optional sections below to help show the employer you have the skills and experience for the job.
Hobbies and Interests
Including your hobbies and interests can be a valuable way of showing your key skills and qualities. These are particularly useful for your resume if you're short of work experience and need to showcase a particular skill or experience. If you're thinking about adding hobbies and interests, just make sure they add something unique to your application, and showcase your personality and interests in unique and interesting ways.
Volunteering
Listing volunteer work is another useful way to prove your relevant experience for biostatistician roles. List your volunteer job title, the organization you volunteered for, its location and the dates of your involvement, alongside a brief explanation of your responsibilities in the role.
References
Although it's rare to include references on a biostatistician resume, some employers may ask for it. Don't add references unless they're specifically mentioned by the employer in the job advert. Before adding any referees to your resume, ask them for their assistance and prepare them for contact by the employer.
References are available upon request.
Best action words for your biostatistician resume
Using strong action words to make your resume resonate with the employer. Add strong verbs from the list below to create a greater impact with your work experience section.
- Analyze
- Design
- Develop
- Implement
- Interpret
- Manage
- Optimize
- Organize
- Perform
- Validate
If you want to create a resume that stands out from the crowd, use Jobseeker's expert-designed resume templates. You can also find cover letter templates that work to get you noticed by employers.
Sample biostatistician resume
Now that you know everything that needs to go into your biostatistician resume, let's review an example resume that you can use as a guide when creating your own:
10 Downing Street, London, CA
•
emery.gray@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/emery–gray123
Experienced Biostatistician with a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and a proven track record as a Senior Biostatistician. Adept at designing and analyzing clinical trials, managing large datasets, and employing advanced statistical methodologies to drive data-driven decision-making in healthcare and research settings. Highly skilled in statistical software, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to support impactful health outcomes.
Senior Biostatistician
2020
-2022
QuantifyGen Solutions (Newark)
- Led statistical analysis for 10+ clinical trials, resulting in FDA approval for 3 major pharmaceutical products
- Developed innovative statistical models, improving data accuracy by 25% and reducing project timelines by 15%
- Authored 15 peer-reviewed publications and presented findings at 8 international conferences, enhancing industry knowledge and visibility
Statistical software proficiency
Data analysis techniques
Clinical trial design
Analytical thinking
Communication skills
Problem-solving ability
SAS Certified Specialist
Certified Biostatistics Professional
English - Fluent
German - C1
Quick tips for a biostatistician resume
- Showcase your key biostatistician qualities with a strong resume summary or objective to catch the attention of the reader.
- Include key skills throughout your resume that reflect the job description, and include a dedicated skills section.
- Keep your biostatistician resume as brief as possible. A single page is ideal for junior applicants, while two sides is acceptable for senior jobs.
- Use a clear, professional resume format to make your document as accessible as possible, including a readable font and appropriate headings, margins and line spacing. This will make your resume easier for recruiters and hiring managers to read.
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Don't use passive language - steer away from phrases like 'I was asked to' and use action words instead.
- Don't add personal information such as your age, gender, a photo or marital status, as these can lead to bias in the hiring process.
- Don't use elaborate formatting or layouts. These can make your biostatistician resume less readable and harder for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan.
- Don't forget to keep your header up-to-date with every application, to make sure you don't include old contact information.
- Don't use jargon or acronyms that can make your biostatistician resume more difficult to read.
Making an ATS-friendly resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to streamline their hiring process. They can store and process data, including applications and applicant data, quickly and efficiently. One of the jobs ATS applications are increasingly responsible for is initial candidate screening. The systems can quickly scan and rank resumes based on how closely they match the job description. When you're writing your biostatistician resume, there are several things you can do to make sure your resume stands the best chance of passing the ATS stage.
Follow these simple rules when writing your resume, to make sure it's ATS compliant:
- Use a traditional resume layout, such as a reverse-chronological or functional format. This will mean your resume includes all the necessary sections, in the expected order.
- Add keywords throughout your resume that help ATS software match your application to the job description. A higher match means your application is more likely to proceed to be reviewed by human eyes.
- Using clear, simple headings makes it easier for an ATS application to scan your resume, as it can easily identify what's in each section of your document.
- Use a resume design that includes clean, professional design elements to give your content space to breathe. This might include clear, readable fonts, subtle color accents and simple design elements.
- Adopt simple, professional language to keep your resume as concise as possible. This tends to make your document more readable, and easier for ATS software to scan.
For advice and guidance on creating the perfect resume, read our expert career blog and check out our detailed resume examples.
Frequently Asked Questions about a biostatistician resume
Alongside your biostatistician resume, it's important to produce a professional cover letter that creates a similar positive impact on the reader.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
If you choose to write a full cover letter, follow traditional letter-writing conventions surrounding greetings, sign-offs and use of professional language. The body of the cover letter tends to be three paragraphs. The first introduces yourself and the role you're applying for, giving reasons for your application. The second briefly covers your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to biostatistician roles. Finally, the third paragraph re-emphasizes your interest in the role and leaves a call to action, encouraging the employer to reach out to you.
Jobseeker's HR-approved cover letter templates can help you produce a cover letter that really catches the eye of employers.
Even if you have no work experience, following a few simple tips for your biostatistician resume can ensure you make a strong impression on employers. Use a skills-based resume format to highlight your relevant skills and education. This is more suitable for junior or entry-level roles where you might not have much work experience to showcase. Utilize additional sections at the end of your resume to show you've got what it takes to do the job. These include hobbies and interests, voluntary roles, certifications and internships.
If you want to create a strong first impression in your biostatistician application, a resume headline can help. Resume headlines are also helpful for the ATS stage of the recruitment process, as they can help you reference the job title and one or two keywords for the role. Write a few words to set the tone for your resume, including the job title, your experience or track record and one or two key skills that make you stand out.
See below for an example of a well-constructed resume headline:
- Junior Biostatistician Seeking Opportunities
- Expert in Biostatistics and Data Analysis
- Senior Biostatistician and Data Analyst
The best format for your resume depends on two key factors. Firstly, the amount of relevant work experience you have. Secondly, the type of role and its level of seniority. For roles where you're lacking experience, such as graduate jobs or career changes, you could use a functional or skills-based resume format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. If, however, you have experience in your chosen profession, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format might be the way to go. This showcases your relevant skills and achievements in your work experience section.
Takeaways for your biostatistician resume
Writing a strong, impactful resume is about using your experience to demonstrate your relevant skills and achievements. You can do this through your work history or other resume sections. Use a suitable resume format and tailor your resume for every application you submit.
HR-approved resume templates and other tools by Jobseeker are the easiest way to create a winning job application. Sign up and follow the simple instructions to complete a resume that stands out from the crowd. To make the best possible impression with your applications, write a cover letter with the help of Jobseeker. You can also find plenty of expert-designed cover letter examples for inspiration.
Sources:
(1) Resumes & Cover Letters for PhD Students, Hardvard University: https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/161/2024/08/2024-GSAS_phd_resume_cover_letters-1.pdf
(2) Guide to Résumés and Curricula Vitae, National Institutes of Health: https://www.training.nih.gov/documents/16/Guide_to_Resumes_and_Curricula_Vitae.pdf
