Jobs for a biomedical engineer are in huge demand right now. This is a career that straddles both the medical and the engineering fields, the top two fields for job prospects for students getting ready to enter the job market. Jobs in biomedical engineering pay some of the highest starting salaries you can find. Following is a list of 5 jobs for a biomedical engineer.
Biomaterials Specialist
Biomaterials are a popular sub-field for biomedical engineering jobs. A biomaterials specialist designs and develops different materials that can be used within the human body. The materials that they design must be completely safe, chemically stable, and designed to last a lifetime. Some specialists can even use living cells as part of the implant material.
Biomechanics Specialist
Biomechanics is another sub-field that combines a working knowledge of how the body moves with the engineering field. A biomechanics specialist designs and develops products that help the body with movement. One example would be an artificial heart valve which would help the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Another example would be an artificial knee or other joint replacement, which would help with the body’s motor functions.
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Genetic Research Engineer
A researcher in cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering works on a microscopic level to understand the progression of disease. A genetic research engineer often studies the role that genes play in the progression of disease. If we understand the underlying causes and the way that certain diseases progress, we have a better chance of stopping the spread of the disease. Genetic research engineers can work with pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for disease before it’s too late. They can rearrange fragments of DNA strands to make organisms healthier and more efficient.
Orthopedic Bioengineer
Orthopedic bioengineers work with bones, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Through their research they can offer a more complete understanding about how the body functions or fails to function. They design and develop implants that can either work with different tissues within the body or completely replace certain sections of the body such as a complete joint or bone. The work done by orthopedic bioengineers contributes to better prosthetics and artificial joints. Orthopedic bioengineers can use their study of motion to predict the outcome of patients after surgery.
Rehabilitation Engineers
Rehabilitation engineers design and develop prosthetics to help people who are missing limbs and different parts of their body. Their job is to design, develop, and evaluate technological solutions for not only mobility issues, but also communication, hearing, vision, and even cognitive disabilities. Rehabilitation engineers help people with disabilities to live a normal life.
Summary
When considering biomedical engineer jobs, there are many different sub-fields that you can specialize in. Many biomedical engineers work alongside doctors and other health care providers in a hospital setting. Other engineers work with large pharmaceutical companies or in a research setting. The opportunities for jobs for a biomedical engineer are vast and varied. There are no limits for someone with the right background in biomedical engineering.
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