Bioengineer and Biomedical Engineer

Also called: Analytical Biochemical Engineer, Biochemical Development Engineer, Biochemical Engineer, Biochemistry Chemical Engineering Analyst, Bioengineer

Varies

estimated salary

Bioengineers and Biomedical engineers apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

  • 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.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 66% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 66% responded "Extremely important".
  • Telephone — 54% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 57% responded "Some freedom".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 57% responded "More than half the time".
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
  • Prepare procedural documents.
  • Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
  • Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
  • Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
  • Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Read More

Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Judgment and Decision Making
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Read More

Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Project management software
  • Microsoft Project Hot Technology
  • Project estimation software
Object or component oriented development software
  • Oracle Java Hot Technology
  • Python Hot Technology
  • R Hot Technology
  • C++ Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
  • Oracle software Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • Thomson Reuters EndNote
  • Failure rate database software
Read More