Epidemiologists
On the Job
Epidemiologists study what causes diseases or health problems in whole groups or populations of people. They may work to prevent or control diseases.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Analyze biological samples.
- Research diseases or parasites.
- Communicate with government agencies.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Advise others on healthcare matters.
- Develop methods of social or economic research.
- Plan biological research.
- Establish standards for medical care.
- Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
- Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Typical Working Conditions
- Using e-mail.
- Sitting.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Working with a group or team.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.