I’m interested in …

Managing and understanding the data that supports advances in science

Careers in IT and data science involve analyzing data, developing software, and using technology to solve problems and improve decision-making across the life sciences.

People who work in data science and information technology (IT)

  • Use technology to generate, analyze and protect scientific and patient data.
  • Write computer programs, do statistical analysis, and use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data and work in technology support and management.
  • Have an interest in innovative technologies, strong mathematical and analytical skills, and a love to problem solving.
  • May work at a University, Research Hospital, Contract Research Organization (CRO), Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO), Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Biotech or Biopharma Company

Highlighted Careers

  • Database Administrator

    Side portrait of database administrator working at computer in office setting.

    A Database Administrator manages and organizes data in a computer system.

    Database Manager, Database Specialist

    Apprenticeship, certificate or associate degree or higher

    $104K – $152K/yr; $126K/yr Median total pay

    • Create and set up systems that store data, like patient information or trial results.
    • Make sure the data is stored in an organized way so that it is easy to find and use.
    • Protect the data from being lost or stolen by setting up security measures.
    • Make sure the database runs smoothly and quickly

  • IT Support Technician

    Portrait of smiling IT support specialist standing in a room full of servers.

    IT technical associates help keep the computer systems and technology running smoothly.

    Help Desk Technician, IT Technician, IT Support Specialist, Computer Support Specialist

    Apprenticeship, certificate, associate degree, or higher

    $63K – $97K/yr; $78K/yr Median total pay

    • Help employees with computer problems.
    • Set up new computers, workstations, and other devices (like printers and scanners).
    • Help manage data storage and backups, making sure important information is saved and protected in case something goes wrong.
    • Keep records of technical issues, solutions, and system updates.

  • Statistician

    Closeup of two scientists sitting at a computer discussing data on paper and computer screen.

    Statisticians help make sense of the data collected during research studies and clinical trials.

    Biostatistician, Quantitative Scientist

    Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field

    $74K – $139K/yr; $99K/yr Median total pay

    • Help design clinical trials. They decide how many individuals should be in the trial, how the data should be collected, and what statistical tests to use to get the best results.
    • Use math and special tools to find patterns in the data to see if the treatment being tested works.
    • Help researchers choose the best ways to analyze the data, so their conclusions are correct.
    • Prepare detailed reports that summarize the results.

  • Data Coordinator

    Close-up of data coordinator working at computer in office with other workers.

    Data coordinators are responsible for organizing and managing data related to research and experiments.

    Data Manager, Data Analyst, Clinical Data Manager

    Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field

    $58K – $85K/yr; $70K/yr Median total pay

    • Work with scientists to gather data from experiments and research studies. This can include numbers, results, and observations from scientists.
    • Organize this data into databases or spreadsheets.
    • Make sure the information is correct. They double-check numbers and details to avoid mistakes.
    • Follow guidelines to make sure the data is handled properly and kept confidential when needed.

  • Automation Specialist

    Portrait of smiling automation specialist sitting in front of multiple computer screens in office setting.

    Automation Specialist uses technology to make tasks and processes run automatically, without needing people to do everything by hand.

    Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field

    $105K – $165K/yr; $131K/yr Median total pay

    • Help make processes faster and more accurate by using machines or software to do repetitive tasks.
    • Create systems that perform tasks, like collecting or processing data, automatically.
    • Check if the automated systems work correctly and fix any problems that come up.
    • May teach other team members how to use the automated systems.

  • Software Developer

    Portrait of software developer working on computer at desk with multiple computer monitors in the background.

    Software Developers design and build computer programs or applications.

    Software Architect

    Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field

    $107K – $171K/yr; $134K/yr Median total pay

    • Write the code that tells the computer how to perform certain tasks, like tracking patient data or analyzing results.
    • Build software programs that help researchers collect, manage, and analyze data.
    • Update and improve the software over time to make it more efficient and user-friendly.

  • Data Scientist

    Portrait of smiling Data scientist sitting in front of multiple computer screens displaying data.

    Data Scientist works with large amounts of data to find useful patterns and make predictions.

    Quantitative Scientist, Data Engineer

    Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field

    $129K – $192K/yr; $156K/yr Median total pay

    • Gather data from different sources, like patient records or test results.
    • Use math, computer programs, and special tools to look at the data and find patterns or trends.
    • Use the data to predict future outcomes, like whether a treatment will work for patients.
    • Create reports so that researchers can make decisions based on the data.