JOB DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles and materials technology to healthcare. This can include researching, designing and developing medical products, such as joint replacements or robotic surgical instruments; designing or modifying equipment for clients with special needs in a rehabilitation setting; or managing the use of clinical equipment in hospitals and the community.

Biomedical engineers can be employed by health services, medical equipment manufacturers and research departments/institutes.

Job titles can vary depending on the exact nature of the work. As well as biomedical engineer you are likely to come across bioengineer; design engineer; and clinical scientist (in a hospital setting/clinical situation).

Typical work activities

Work activities vary, depending on where you work and the seniority of the post, but typically involve:

• using computer software and mathematical models to design, develop and test new materials, devices and equipment. This can involve programming electronics; building and evaluating prototypes; troubleshooting problems; and rethinking the design until it works correctly;
• liaising with technicians and manufacturers to ensure the feasibility of a product in terms of design and economic viability;
• conducting research to solve clinical problems using a variety of means to collate the necessary information, including questionnaires, interviews and group conferences;
• liaising closely with other medical professionals, such as doctors and therapists as well as with end-users (patients and their carers);
• discussing and solving problems with manufacturing, quality, purchasing and marketing departments;
• assessing the potential wider market for products or modifications suggested by health professionals or others;
• arranging clinical trials of medical products;
• approaching marketing and other industry companies to sell the product;
• writing reports and attending conferences and exhibitions to present your work and latest designs to a range of technical and non-technical audiences;
• meeting with senior health service staff or other managers to exchange findings;
• dealing with technical queries from hospitals and GPs and giving advice on new equipment;
• testing and maintaining clinical equipment;
• training technical or clinical staff;
• investigating safety-related incidents;
• keeping up to date with new developments in the field, nationally and internationally.