Biomechanics is the application of the laws of physics and concepts used in engineering to the movement and mechanical functioning of the human body. It assesses human anatomy with regard to forces exerted upon it. A biomechanist analyzes the effects of these forces on the body and works on practical solutions to improving body performance, be it physical attainment or prevention of injury.

Description

Used in a variety of jobs, duties of a biomechanist vary accordingly. All involve the analysis of movement in the human form, however. This includes helping victims of accidents regain motor skills, or using enhanced computer software to analyze the performance of sports professionals. They use skills in the subject areas of physics, statistics, anatomy, motor learning, human tissues and kinesiology.

Qualifications

A biomechanist must combine the anatomical and physiological knowledge that a medical doctor would possess with an understanding of the physics of movement that an engineer focuses on. It is usual for a biomechanist to complete a first degree in either engineering or medical anatomy, followed by a postgraduate degree in the other subject. Some institutions, such as the American Sports Medicine Institute, offer postgraduate degrees specifically in biomechanics.

Potential Positions

Biomechanists usually work in research institutions and clinical sites. Sports science institutions traditionally provide the majority of opportunities, with the biomechanist looking to improve athletic performance and minimize the threat of injury. They also work in medical facilities or in orthopedics and find employment with private businesses, such as car manufacturers, analyzing injury prevention.

Pay and Opportunities

According to NC State University, as of March 2010, the average starting salary for a biomechanist was $54,000. Once employed, the possibilities for career progression tend to be linked to research conducted and published. Biomechanists can go on to advise on government policy, manage research institutes or into teaching.

Personal Attributes

The desire to continually improve upon knowledge and seek innovative solutions in the field is a key attribute for a biomechanist. The ability to work autonomously is important. Effective communication, often of complex ideas, to clients, peers and management is essential.

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Employment and Labor Information 2023

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Employment Brief:

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.

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Job Description

Here is a Job Description an employer might post for potential Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers.

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Responsibilities and Duties:

• Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
• Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.
• Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
• 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.
• Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
• Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
• Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.

Typical Daily Tasks of Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers:

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Estimate time requirements for development or production projects.
• Analyzing Data or Information: Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
• Getting Information: Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
• Working with Computers.
• Processing Information.
• Thinking Creatively: Create models of engineering designs or methods. Design medical devices or appliances. Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability. Develop software or computer applications. Devise research or testing protocols.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Update technical knowledge.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies. Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimate operational costs.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events.

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Skills and Requirements:

• DatabasesUsing a computer application to manage large amounts of information, including creating and editing simple databases, inputting data, retrieving specific records, and creating reports to communicate the information.
• Troubleshooting Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• GraphicsWorking with pictures in graphics programs or other applications, including creating simple graphics, manipulating the appearance, and inserting graphics into other programs.
• Technology Design Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
• Persuasion Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
• Word ProcessingUsing a computer application to type text, insert pictures, format, edit, print, save, and retrieve word processing documents.
• Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Systems Evaluation Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Salary and Wages:

Average Salary: 58,450. Education: typical education requirements include High school diploma or equivalent.

Data from May 2023 courtesy of U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.