Job Duties Custom List 15-2051.00 — Data Scientists
- Identify relationships and trends or any factors that could affect the results of research.
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- Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
- Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
- Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.
- Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
- Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.
- Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
- Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
- Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
- 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.
- Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
- Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
- Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.
- Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.
- Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.
- Plan or direct research studies related to life sciences.
- Prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences.
- Monitor clinical trials or experiments to ensure adherence to established procedures or to verify the quality of data collected.
- Design or maintain databases of biological data.
- Assign work to biostatistical assistants or programmers.
- Analyze archival data, such as birth, death, and disease records.
- Design surveys to assess health issues.
- Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.
- Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.
- Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.
- Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
- Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
- Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
- Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.
- Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
- Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.
- Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.
- Design, analyze, and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law-enforcement-related information in code.
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
- Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
- Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
- Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Design or prepare graphic representations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, using GIS hardware or software applications.
- Maintain or modify existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases.
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
- Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
- Enter data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, using techniques such as coordinate geometry, keyboard entry of tabular data, manual digitizing of maps, scanning or automatic conversion to vectors, or conversion of other sources of digital data.
- Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness of documentation.
- Perform geospatial data building, modeling, or analysis, using advanced spatial analysis, data manipulation, or cartography software.
- Design or coordinate the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial or non-spatial databases.
- Select cartographic elements needed for effective presentation of information.
- Provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, equipment, or applications.
- Collect, compile, or integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, such as remote sensing or cartographic data for inclusion in map manuscripts.
- Meet with clients to discuss topics such as technical specifications, customized solutions, or operational problems.
- Document, design, code, or test Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models, internet mapping solutions, or other applications.
- Confer with users to analyze, configure, or troubleshoot applications.
- Design, program, or model Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications or procedures.
- Develop specialized computer software routines, internet-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, or business applications to customize geographic information.
- Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, equipment, or applications.
- Assist users in formulating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requirements or understanding the implications of alternatives.
- Create visual representations of geospatial data, using complex procedures such as analytical modeling, three-dimensional renderings, or plot creation.
- Transfer or rescale information from original photographs onto maps or other photographs.
- Prepare training materials for, or make presentations to, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) users.
- Apply three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) technologies to geospatial data to allow for new or different analyses or applications.
- Conduct research, data analysis, systems design, or support for software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) mapping software.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Recommend procedures, equipment, or software upgrades to increase data accessibility or ease of use.
- Perform integrated or computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses to address scientific problems.
- Interpret aerial or ortho photographs.
- Create, analyze, report, convert, or transfer data, using specialized applications program software.
- Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
- Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
- Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
- Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
- Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
- Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
- Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
- Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques, and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
- Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
- Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
- Report results of statistical analyses in peer-reviewed papers and technical manuals.
- Evaluate sources of information to determine any limitations, in terms of reliability or usability.
- Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
- Plan data collection methods for specific projects, and determine the types and sizes of sample groups to be used.
- Supervise and provide instructions for workers collecting and tabulating data.
- Examine theories, such as those of probability and inference, to discover mathematical bases for new or improved methods of obtaining and evaluating numerical data.
- Prepare and structure data warehouses for storing data.
- Develop software applications or programming for statistical modeling and graphic analysis.
- Apply sampling techniques, or use complete enumeration bases to determine and define groups to be surveyed.
- Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
- Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
- Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
- Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
- Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
- Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
- Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
- Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
- Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
- Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Construct probability tables for events such as fires, natural disasters, and unemployment, based on analysis of statistical data and other pertinent information.
- Ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
- Collaborate with programmers, underwriters, accounts, claims experts, and senior management to help companies develop plans for new lines of business or improvements to existing business.
- Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.
- Design, review, and help administer insurance, annuity and pension plans, determining financial soundness and calculating premiums.
- Determine, or help determine, company policy, and explain complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders, or the public.
- Determine equitable basis for distributing surplus earnings under participating insurance and annuity contracts in mutual companies.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of reinsurance with other companies.
- Provide expertise to help financial institutions manage risks and maximize returns associated with investment products or credit offerings.
- Determine policy contract provisions for each type of insurance.
- Explain changes in contract provisions to customers.
- Manage credit and help price corporate security offerings.
- Provide advice to clients on a contract basis, working as a consultant.
- Testify before public agencies on proposed legislation affecting businesses.
- Testify in court as expert witness or to provide legal evidence on matters such as the value of potential lifetime earnings of a person disabled or killed in an accident.
- Construct probability tables for events such as fires, natural disasters, and unemployment, based on analysis of statistical data and other pertinent information.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
- Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
- Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.
- Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates.
- Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- Perform system analysis, data analysis or programming, using a variety of computer languages and procedures.
- Develop data warehouse process models, including sourcing, loading, transformation, and extraction.
- Verify the structure, accuracy, or quality of warehouse data.
- Map data between source systems, data warehouses, and data marts.
- Develop and implement data extraction procedures from other systems, such as administration, billing, or claims.
- Design and implement warehouse database structures.
- Develop or maintain standards, such as organization, structure, or nomenclature, for the design of data warehouse elements, such as data architectures, models, tools, and databases.
- Provide or coordinate troubleshooting support for data warehouses.
- Write new programs or modify existing programs to meet customer requirements, using current programming languages and technologies.
- Design, implement, or operate comprehensive data warehouse systems to balance optimization of data access with batch loading and resource utilization factors, according to customer requirements.
- Create supporting documentation, such as metadata and diagrams of entity relationships, business processes, and process flow.
- Create or implement metadata processes and frameworks.
- Review designs, codes, test plans, or documentation to ensure quality.
- Create plans, test files, and scripts for data warehouse testing, ranging from unit to integration testing.
- Select methods, techniques, or criteria for data warehousing evaluative procedures.
- Prepare functional or technical documentation for data warehouses.
- Test software systems or applications for software enhancements or new products.
- Implement business rules via stored procedures, middleware, or other technologies.
- Perform system analysis, data analysis or programming, using a variety of computer languages and procedures.
- Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
- Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
- Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
- Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
- Test changes to database applications or systems.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Train users and answer questions.
- Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
- Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
- Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
- Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
- Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.
- Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production databases.
- Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
- Review procedures in database management system manuals to make changes to database.
- Review workflow charts developed by programmer analyst to understand tasks computer will perform, such as updating records.
- Revise company definition of data as defined in data dictionary.
- Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
- Prepare project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
- Manage project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope.
- Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
- Assess current or future customer needs and priorities by communicating directly with customers, conducting surveys, or other methods.
- Initiate, review, or approve modifications to project plans.
- Schedule and facilitate meetings related to information technology projects.
- Direct or coordinate activities of project personnel.
- Develop implementation plans that include analyses such as cost-benefit or return on investment (ROI).
- Identify need for initial or supplemental project resources.
- Develop or update project plans for information technology projects including information such as project objectives, technologies, systems, information specifications, schedules, funding, and staffing.
- Perform risk assessments to develop response strategies.
- Identify, review, or select vendors or consultants to meet project needs.
- Develop and manage annual budgets for information technology projects.
- Establish and execute a project communication plan.
- Develop and manage work breakdown structure (WBS) of information technology projects.
- Monitor the performance of project team members, providing and documenting performance feedback.
- Coordinate recruitment or selection of project personnel.
- Assign duties, responsibilities, and spans of authority to project personnel.
- Negotiate with project stakeholders or suppliers to obtain resources or materials.
- Monitor or track project milestones and deliverables.
- Submit project deliverables, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
- Prepare project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
- Analyze incident data to identify trends in injuries, illnesses, accidents, or other hazards.
- Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.
- Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
- Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions or equipment.
- Develop or maintain hygiene programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances.
- Conduct safety training or education programs and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
- Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
- Investigate health-related complaints and inspect facilities to ensure that they comply with public health legislation and regulations.
- Collect samples of hazardous materials or arrange for sample collection.
- Maintain or update emergency response plans or procedures.
- Provide new-employee health and safety orientations and develop materials for these presentations.
- Inspect specified areas to ensure the presence of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, or first-aid supplies.
- Maintain inventories of hazardous materials or hazardous wastes, using waste tracking systems to ensure that materials are handled properly.
- Develop or maintain medical monitoring programs for employees.
- Conduct audits at hazardous waste sites or industrial sites or participate in hazardous waste site investigations.
- Perform laboratory analyses or physical inspections of samples to detect disease or to assess purity or cleanliness.
- Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
- Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
- Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
- Prepare hazardous, radioactive, or mixed waste samples for transportation or storage by treating, compacting, packaging, and labeling them.
- Analyze incident data to identify trends in injuries, illnesses, accidents, or other hazards.
- Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
- Develop and document database architectures.
- Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements.
- Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.
- Design databases to support business applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability.
- Develop data models for applications, metadata tables, views or related database structures.
- Design database applications, such as interfaces, data transfer mechanisms, global temporary tables, data partitions, and function-based indexes to enable efficient access of the generic database structure.
- Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together, such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs.
- Create and enforce database development standards.
- Document and communicate database schemas, using accepted notations.
- Develop data model describing data elements and their use, following procedures and using pen, template or computer software.
- Work as part of a project team to coordinate database development and determine project scope and limitations.
- Set up database clusters, backup, or recovery processes.
- Demonstrate database technical functionality, such as performance, security and reliability.
- Develop load-balancing processes to eliminate down time for backup processes.
- Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
- Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
- Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
- Identify and correct deviations from database development standards.
- Review project requests describing database user needs to estimate time and cost required to accomplish project.
- Write and code logical and physical database descriptions, and specify identifiers of database to management system or direct others in coding descriptions.
- Develop or maintain archived procedures, procedural codes, or queries for applications.
- Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
- Establish and calculate optimum values for database parameters, using manuals and calculators.
- Train users and answer questions.
- Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
- Conduct historical analyses of test results.
- Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
- Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
- Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
- Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
- Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to developers on software usability and functionality.
- Install, maintain, or use software testing programs.
- Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
- Create or maintain databases of known test defects.
- Develop or specify standards, methods, or procedures to determine product quality or release readiness.
- Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.
- Update automated test scripts to ensure currency.
- Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
- Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
- Monitor program performance to ensure efficient and problem-free operations.
- Conduct software compatibility tests with programs, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
- Investigate customer problems referred by technical support.
- Review software documentation to ensure technical accuracy, compliance, or completeness, or to mitigate risks.
- Identify program deviance from standards, and suggest modifications to ensure compliance.
- Perform initial debugging procedures by reviewing configuration files, logs, or code pieces to determine breakdown source.
- Design or develop automated testing tools.
- Install and configure recreations of software production environments to allow testing of software performance.
- Collaborate with field staff or customers to evaluate or diagnose problems and recommend possible solutions.
- Coordinate user or third-party testing.
- Visit beta testing sites to evaluate software performance.
- Evaluate or recommend software for testing or bug tracking.
- Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Conduct historical analyses of test results.
