Biomedical Engineer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A biomedical engineer could...

Overview Listen to this section

Shakespeare described humans as a "piece of work," and others have called the body "the most beautiful machine," but like any machine, sometimes body parts need repairs or servicing when the body cannot take care of the problems itself. That's where biomedical engineers come in. They use engineering to solve problems in medicine, such as creating replacement body parts, drug-delivery systems, medical instruments, and test equipment. Their work helps restore health and function, and improves the quality of life for people who are sick or injured.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Biomedical Engineer?

1. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
2. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
3. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
4. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
5. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

6. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
7. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
8. Operations Analysis: ? Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
9. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
10. Systems Analysis: ? Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Biomedical Engineer might do:

• Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
• Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
• Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
• Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
• Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
• Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
• Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
• Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
• Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
• Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
• Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
• Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
• Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
• Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
• Design and deliver technology, such as prosthetic devices, to assist people with disabilities.
• Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
• Design or develop medical diagnostic or clinical instrumentation, equipment, or procedures, using the principles of engineering and biobehavioral sciences.
• Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
• Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
• Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
• Develop statistical models or simulations using statistical or modeling software.
• Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
• Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
• Manage teams of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating or using budgets, or overseeing contract obligations or deadlines.
• Prepare project plans for equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
• Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
• Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
• Recommend process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
• Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.