Here we look at some of the more senior-level academic jobs available in medical technology (or ‘MedTech’), the qualifications and experience you will need and opportunities for career progression.
From senior lectureships in imaging technology to head of biomedical engineering roles, senior academics in MedTech lead the way in global research and development of cutting-edge medical technology.
Academics at this level would already have an established reputation for research and teaching in areas related to medical and healthcare technology. They may be practising clinicians who have specialised in technological development, such as surgical robotics, or senior level engineers who have worked with industry to design and develop new healthcare technology.
Job Descriptions
- Professor of Medical Robotics
- Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Radiography
- Senior Lecturer in Medical and Pharmaceutical Engineering
Professor of Medical Robotics
A professor of medical robotics would be responsible for leading research programmes and initiatives into the development of computer-aided and robotic surgery technology.
From either a medical or engineering background, they would have a strong track record in collaboration with universities, research institutes and MedTech industries around the world.
Duties:
- Leading research programmes in surgical robotics and publishing outcomes
- Leading teaching across biomedical engineering and medical programmes
- Testing new technology and research during clinical trials
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medicine and engineering students
- Participating in worldwide MedTech research collaborations and programmes
- Collaborating with the university’s senior leadership team to enhance global reputation
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in biomedical engineering, medical robotics or related field would be essential for a professorship. If you are a practising clinician (such as a senior- level surgeon) a medical degree, PhD in a relevant discipline and full registration and current license to practise are essential for clinical professorships. You will also need many years’ clinical experience.
An established reputation for leading global MedTech research projects along with extensive teaching experience would also be essential.
Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering (if from an engineering background) would also be essential.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for professorships in medical robotics/biomedical engineering vary between specialisms and many are not disclosed in job adverts. However, most professorship salaries range from between £61,270 and £83,306 p.a.
What can it lead to?
Many consider a professorship to be the height of their academic career. However, professors can be selected to become heads of their departments or move into a Deanship.
Senior-level academics in biomedical engineering and related disciplines are often closely linked to industry and may also have roles advising MedTech companies.
Where can I find jobs?
Most professorships are offered on a permanent basis and opportunities are selective. The most popular areas of the UK for professorships advertised are the Midlands and the South East of England.
Find professor of medical robotics jobs here.
Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Radiography
An assistant professor of diagnostic radiography is a qualified and experienced clinician who teaches undergraduate and postgraduate radiography students. They also carry out multi-disciplinary research in a university.
The role of assistant professor is mainly used in the USA, however, the term is becoming more popular in the UK and is roughly equivalent to a senior lectureship or associate professor.
Duties:
- Undertaking multi-disciplinary, individual and/or collaborative research projects
- Planning and delivery of teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate diagnostic radiography students
- Module design and assessment of students
- Small group teaching and supervision of doctoral students
- Working closely with professors and heads of department to further the research and teaching activities of the department
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD is not always necessary for clinical lectureships in diagnostic radiography, although it would be highly desirable. Universities will be looking to hire candidates with extensive experience of working as diagnostic radiographer in a healthcare/hospital environment. Registration as a diagnostic radiographer with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) would be essential for this type of role.
Evidence of research expertise in a relevant discipline, with a record of recent publications would also be essential.
A recognised teaching qualification plus significant teaching experience would be desirable.
What’s the pay?
Salaries for assistant professorships start in the range of £43,434 to £50,296, depending on qualifications and clinical/teaching experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience as an assistant professor, the next step on the academic career path would be associate professor or professor. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching practice and research output and publication.
Where can I find jobs?
Most assistant professorships are advertised as full-time and permanent. You will find jobs available in university faculties of health sciences, nursing and medicine.
Find assistant professor in diagnostic radiography jobs here.
Senior Lecturer in Medical and Pharmaceutical Engineering
Senior lecturers in medical and pharmaceutical engineering teach undergraduate and postgraduate students following related courses, such medical, biomedical and pharmaceutical engineering.
They also lead and contribute to research projects and activities in medical devices and equipment design.
Duties:
- Planning and delivery of teaching across engineering, medical and pharmacy disciplines
- Contributing to the research activities of the faculty or school
- Acting as course leader and designing multi-disciplinary modules
- Supervision of doctoral students
- Maintaining links and collaborating with external agencies in the healthcare sector and industry
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in Medical Engineering or related discipline and a proven record of research output and publication would be essential for senior lecturer roles.
You would also need to have considerable teaching experience at HE level. Relevant professional experience within the medical technology or pharmaceutical industries would be highly desirable.
What’s the pay?
Senior lecturers in medical engineering can expect to start on a salary in the range of £40,000 to £49,999 p.a.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience as a senior lecturer, your next move could be to apply for a professorship. Promotion would depend on the success of your research and ability to attract new funding.
Where can I find jobs?
You will find lecturing roles in medical and biomedical engineering in schools and faculties of engineering and/or sciences. The majority of senior lectureships are advertised as full-time and permanent and the busiest time for recruitment is during May and June.
Find senior lecturing roles in medical engineering here.
Further Information:
- Academic jobs in Medical Technology
- Lecturing jobs in Medical Technology
- Research jobs in Medical Technology
- NHS Careers – Medical Technology
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