Here we take a look at lecturing and teaching roles related to medical technology (known as ‘MedTech’), what qualifications and experience you’ll need and opportunities to move up the academic career ladder.
MedTech brings together academics from a broad spectrum of disciplines to research and develop new and current health technologies.
In terms of undergraduate study, there is no dedicated ‘medical technology’ degree programme. However, students aiming for a career in medical technology would instead follow programmes in engineering, health, life and medical sciences, physics and computer science.
The diversity of careers and courses related to the development of medical technologies means that lecturers from a wide variety of academic backgrounds are needed to teach and train the next generation.
If you have qualifications and clinical and/or research expertise in biomechanics, biomedical engineering, medicine and dentistry, radiography or any other field dedicated to the development of health technology, a job as a university lecturer might be your next career move.
As it is such a broad field, there is a wide variety of MedTech-related lecturing positions available. Here we take a look at three you may come across during your search.
Job Descriptions
- Lecturer in Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiography
- Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
- Lecturer in Rehabilitation
Lecturer in Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiography
Diagnostic radiographers use technology such as X-Ray, MRI machines or ultrasound to detect disease, injury and other conditions. Therapeutic radiographers use radiation technologies to treat diseases such as cancer.
Lecturers in both areas are typically practising radiographers who teach undergraduate and postgraduate students looking towards a career in radiography or related field.
Duties:
- Delivering teaching and learning to undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Contributing to and developing the research activities of the department
- Leading practical small-group teaching and demonstrations
- Managing and monitoring students while on placement
- Providing personal tutoring and supervising post-registration projects
What qualifications and experience do you need?
Although desirable, a PhD is not always necessary for lectureships in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography. However, significant clinical experience and current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer would be essential criteria.
Depending on the role, a recognised teaching qualification may also be required.
What’s the pay?
Lecturers in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography can expect a starting salary in the range of £36,382 to £42,149 p.a., depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience, you could apply for senior lecturing roles or carry out doctoral studies in order to move into radiography research roles.
Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching practice and ability to support students into a career in radiography.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging
- Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
- Lecturer in Sports Therapy
Where can I find jobs?
You will find lecturing posts in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography in schools or faculties of health and life sciences.
Find lecturer in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography jobs here.
Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineers use their expertise to find technical and engineering solutions to medical problems. They research, design and develop medical devices and procedures.
Alongside research, biomedical engineering lecturers teach undergraduate and postgraduate students across engineering and biomedical sciences disciplines.
Duties:
- Planning and delivery of teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate biomedical engineering students
- Contributing to and leading biomedical engineering research activities
- Attracting research funding from national and international sources
- Curriculum design and supervision of doctoral students
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in Biomedical Engineering or closely related subject would be essential for lecturing roles.
A strong track record of published research, plus previous experience of teaching at higher education level would also be essential. A recognised teaching qualification would be highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
Depending on the role, lecturers in biomedical engineering can expect a starting salary in the range of £35,326 to £48,835 p.a.
What can it lead to?
The next step up would be to apply for a senior lectureship or associate professor role in biomedical engineering. Alternatively, you may wish to move to a research-only role within a university, hospital trust or research foundation.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Biomechanics
- Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
- Lecturer in Sports Therapy
Where can I find jobs?
Biomedical engineering programmes are increasing in popularity across the UK and internationally. You will find lecturing roles within university schools or faculties of engineering and health sciences.
Find lecturer in biomedical engineering jobs here.
Lecturer in Rehabilitation (Sports Therapy)
Academics specialising in rehabilitation and sports therapy use their expertise around medical technology to help treat injuries.
Lecturers in this area would come from a biomechanics or sports therapy background (such as physiotherapy) and would teach undergraduate and postgraduate students of biomechanical engineering and sports and exercise therapy.
Duties:
- Delivery of multi-disciplinary teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Development of high-quality research projects and publication of outcomes
- Supervision of students on placement and doctoral students
- Studying and testing new technology in state-of-the-art laboratories
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in Biomechanics or Sport and Exercise therapy with expertise in technology related to rehabilitating patients would be essential.
An established record of contributing to and publishing high-quality research projects would also be essential.
Depending on the role, you may also need experience as a clinical scientist and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
What’s the pay?
Lecturers in Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy can expect a starting salary in the range of £36,382 to £42,149 p.a., depending on teaching and research experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience in both teaching and research, you could move up the ranks to a senior lecturer role. Promotion depends on quality of research and teaching practice.
Related roles:
- Lecturer in Physiotherapy
- Lecturer in Biomedical Science
- Lecturer in Public Health
Where can I find jobs?
You will find lecturer in rehabilitation jobs in health sciences and sports/exercise sciences schools and faculties. This role requires a niche skillset, so there is a smaller pool of jobs available.
Find lecturer in rehabilitation/sports therapy jobs here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in medical technology
- Research jobs in medical technology
- Senior-level academic jobs in medical technology
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