Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers work closely with scientists, researchers and medical professionals (such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists and therapists) on the engineering aspects of biological and medical systems.

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, biomedical engineers:

• design and develop medical devices such as artificial hearts and kidneys, pacemakers, artificial hips, myoelectric prostheses, surgical lasers, automated patient monitors and blood chemistry sensors
• adapt or develop computer hardware or software for medical science or health care applications (for example, expert systems that assist in diagnosing diseases, medical imaging systems, models of different aspects of human physiology or medical data management)
• conduct research to test and modify current theories and develop new theories
• ensure the safety of equipment used for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring
• ensure appropriate and economical use of technology in health care
• investigate medical equipment failures
• provide advice about the purchase and installation of new equipment
• develop and evaluate quantitative models of biological processes and systems
• apply engineering methods to answer basic questions about how the body works
• contribute to patient assessments 
• prepare and present technology-related reports for health professionals and the public
• supervise and train technologists and technicians.

Biomedical engineers may work primarily in one or a combination of the following fields:

• bioinformatics - developing and using computer tools to collect and analyze data
• bioinstrumentation - applying electronic and measurement techniques in medicine
• biomaterials - developing new materials and selecting appropriate materials that are compatible with a biological environment
• biomechanics - applying knowledge of mechanics to biological or medical problems
• bio-nano-engineering - developing novel structures of nanometer dimensions for application to biology, drug delivery, molecular diagnostics, microsystems and nanosystems
• biophotonics - applying and manipulating light, usually laser light, for sensing or imaging properties of biological tissue
• cellular and tissue engineering - studying the anatomy, biochemistry and mechanics of cellular and sub-cellular structures, developing technology to repair, replace or regenerate living tissues and developing methods for controlling cell and tissue growth in the laboratory
• clinical engineering - applying engineering and managerial skills to health care technology
• electrophysiology - developing therapies and diagnostic techniques based on the electrical properties of cells and tissues
• genomics and genetic engineering - mapping, sequencing and analyzing genomes (DNA), and applying molecular biology methods to manipulate the genetic material of cells, viruses and organisms 
• medical or biological imaging - combining knowledge of a physical phenomenon (for example, sound, radiation or magnetism) with electronic processing, analysis and display
• molecular bioengineering - designing molecules for biomedical purposes and applying computational methods for simulating biomolecular interactions
• systems physiology - studying how systems function in living organisms
• therapeutic engineering - discovering and developing drugs and advanced materials and techniques for delivering drugs to local tissues with minimized side effects.

Biomedical engineers work in offices, laboratories, workshops, manufacturing plants, clinics and hospitals. Some local travel may be required if medical equipment is located in various clinics or hospitals.

Most biomedical engineers work standard weekday hours. Longer hours may be required to meet research deadlines, work with patients at times convenient to them, or work on medical equipment that is in use during daytime hours.

Biomedical engineers need the following characteristics:

• a strong interest in engineering and medicine
• the ability to think analytically and solve problems
• an aptitude for science and mathematics
• the ability to visualize complex processes and equipment
• good oral and written communication skills
• creativity and persistence
• a willingness to improve their knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis
• the ability to work effectively with people from various disciplines and educational backgrounds.

They should enjoy:

• synthesizing information to conduct research and develop new instruments, equipment and systems
• performing tasks that require precision
• consulting with and supervising others.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Biomedical engineers are employed by:

• medical institutions
• university and other research facilities
• medical equipment and pharmaceutical manufacturers
• corporate research and development laboratories
• consulting engineering firms
• law firms
• venture capital firms
• governments.

Because biomedical engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment, they acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to move into associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Biomedical engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2148: Other professional engineers. In Alberta, 86% of people employed in this classification work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 5,300 Albertans are employed in the Other professional engineers, n.e.c. occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 95 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As biomedical engineers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for biomedical engineers.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

BioAlberta website: www.bioalberta.com

Biomedical Engineering Society website: www.bmes.org

Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society website: www.cmbes.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.