Where Biostatistics Jobs Hide

Not all job opportunities live on LinkedIn or job boards. In fact, some of the best-fit roles for biostatisticians are shared through niche networks, professional associations, or even casual conversations. The closer you get to these “inside circles,” the more doors you open.

Here are six powerful (and often overlooked) sources of hidden jobs:

1. ASA (American Statistical Association)

If you’re serious about biostatistics, the ASA should be on your radar.

• Job Board Access: ASA’s Career Center features roles tailored specifically for statisticians and biostatisticians—far more focused than Indeed or LinkedIn.

• Conference Networking: ASA events connect you with people hiring or working in your exact niche.

• Workshops & Webinars: Learn about industry shifts—and meet professionals from companies you want to work at.

📍 Tip: Mentioning your ASA membership in your resume or LinkedIn can also help signal commitment to your field.

2. JSM (Joint Statistical Meetings)

JSM is the conference for statisticians in the U.S.—and a goldmine for job-seeking biostatisticians.

• Career Fair: Companies show up specifically to recruit talent. Many conduct interviews on-site.

• Live Networking: Have real-time, face-to-face convos with hiring managers, potential colleagues, or academic collaborators.

• Skill Sharpening: Sessions focus on emerging methods, giving you insider language and tools to mention in interviews.

3. University Career Services

Whether you’re a current student or an alum, don’t sleep on this resource.

• Alumni Networks: Schools often keep private job boards or email lists with jobs that don’t hit LinkedIn.

• Career Coaching: Many offer mock interviews, resume reviews, and career advice specifically for technical roles.

• On-Campus Recruiting: Some companies hire from specific schools—they don’t post the job anywhere else.

4. Specialized Recruiters & Staffing Agencies

Find recruiters who understand biostatistics—many specialize in pharma, clinical research, or healthcare analytics.

• Access to Unlisted Jobs: Recruiters are often the first to know about a new opening.

• Streamlined Process: A good recruiter can prep you, advocate for you, and get you in front of hiring managers faster.

• Ongoing Opportunities: Even if a role isn’t right today, they may call you first when one that fits pops up.

5. Professors and Academic Mentors

Your professors aren’t just teachers—they’re often gatekeepers to industry collaborations.

• Industry Referrals: Many professors consult with or collaborate on projects with industry partners who may be hiring.

• On-Campus Roles: Academic research positions—often funded by grants—may need a biostatistician.

• Insider Intel: They know which journals, conferences, or labs are hiring—even before it’s public.

6. Friends and Professional Connections

Don’t underestimate the power of letting people know you’re looking.

• Casual Referrals: “Hey, I think my company is hiring someone with your skills…” is more common than you think.

• LinkedIn Leverage: Reach out to people you’ve met at past conferences, internships, or jobs.

• Meetups & Webinars: Local or virtual biostatistics groups often share job leads—and build real relationships.

💡 Action Step: Pick 2 Hidden Job Channels to Activate
Choose two of the sources above—such as ASA and recruiters—and take one action for each. That could be:

• Joining ASA and participating in their Biostatistics events

• Messaging a recruiter on LinkedIn who specializes in life sciences

• Emailing your favorite professor for advice

This gives you a direct tap into the hidden job market where most people aren’t looking.