How to hire a freelance biomedical engineer

Natasha Beeton, freelance scientific writer on Kolabtree, provides a quick guide on how to hire a biomedical engineer, how much it costs, and tips for working with a freelancer.

The combination of engineering with biology results in the field known as biomedical engineering, BioMed or simply medical engineering. It applies basic engineering principles to healthcare.

The ever-increasing use of machines, automation and technology in our society has augmented the demand for medical engineering. Revolutionary concepts have been used in the context of biology, some of which have helped decrease mortality.

Development of artificial organs, optimized prosthetic equipment, surgical robots, kidney dialysis machines and pharmaceutical drugs are a few examples where biomedical engineers have greatly contributed to progress in the medical field.

Biomedical engineering has become especially relevant considering the increase in life expectancy and the consequent growth of the aging population and healthcare needs.

From improving 3D medical imaging machines to providing better hip and knee replacement biomaterials, from speeding up rehabilitation of physical disabilities to advancing dialysis machines, biomedical engineers are directly involved in the evolution of medical treatments, systems, devices and products.

What does a biomedical expert do?

Biomedical engineering is a versatile profession, which typically includes the following activities:

• Creation and design of a variety of biomedical products and systems, such as devices for replacement of body parts, diagnostic medical machines and artificial organs.
• Support, maintenance, adjustment, repair and installation for biomedical equipment.
• Training of other health professionals on the use of biomedical equipment.
• Application of engineering norms to different aspects of biological systems in healthcare settings.
• Scientific consultancy for research purposes, usually in collaboration with chemical engineers, physicians, veterinarians and other healthcare professionals.
• Writing: a biomedical writer participates in the production of technical reports, white papers, lectures and research papers.

Many professionals in this field work at universities, research facilities, hospitals and medical institutions, usually in positions related to research and development and quality assurance.

Several choose to work as freelancers due to the flexibility and the opportunity to apply their expertise to different projects.

Why hire a biomedical engineer?

When you need to hire a biomedical engineer, bear in mind that, due to the broad nature of the profession, it can be further described according to specific areas, including:

•       Biomaterials: used in different areas, including artificial organs and replacement of body parts.
•       Biomedical electronics: involves optimal functioning of medical devices and machines.
•       Bioinstrumentation: surgical robots are a good example of bioinstrumentation.
•       Medical imaging: increasing quality and precision of 2D and 3D imaging.
•       Bionanotechnology: gene delivery, nanoparticles for drug delivery and surface treatment for biomaterials are among the applications of nanotechnology within biomedical engineering.
•       Computational biology: creation of software, models and algorithms for biological systems.
•       Bioengineering, rehabilitation engineering and clinical engineering: can assist with development of devices and machines for recovery of injuries and cognitive impairment.
•       Genetic, tissue and cellular engineering: involves attempts to control cellular and organ function at the microscopic level.
•       Systems physiology: focus on the functioning of biological systems of living organisms.

These skills can be applied to many different projects within manufacturing of medical supplies and equipment, research and development in life sciences, engineering, agriculture, environment and much more.

How much does it cost to work with a biomedical engineering consultant?

Working with a freelance biomedical expert is a good way to move forward with your projects, since agencies usually charge small fortunes.

Biomedical scientists can charge USD 40 per hour for writing/statistics projects, and can charge over USD 100 per hour for projects that involve product development or regulatory consulting. On Kolabtree, it is also possible to set a budget or a fixed fee for your project, based on which freelancers can send you quotes. 

How to write an effective job to hire a biomedical engineer?

• Project description or scope of work: specify the area and all necessary details about your project in order to provide a general overview for the freelancer.
• Duration of the project: describe your timeframe for completion of the project.
• By when you need to hire: how much time do you have before the projects starts?
• Budget: choose to pay an hourly fee or a total project price.
• Skills required: the more detailed and specific the better, as this helps achieve a good match between your project and the most experienced biomedical engineering consultant.

The development of new medical equipment, monitoring devices, medical systems and software are a few potential areas where a biomedical engineer consultant can make a huge difference

Ready to hire a freelance biomedical engineer? Post your project on Kolabtree and get quotes from qualified experts for free.