EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Biomed Databases Job Description - Development Engineer?

Seems that as we enter the 'techie' age, some of our staff will readily accept the role of developing the technology of the departmental functions, whereas most will obviously be happy sticking with engineering because that's the way its always been.

Do any sites have engineering staff with a strong IT role that includes... many things?:
- Developing engineering software systems (programming) for others to use efficiently
- Automating data collection
- Automating check sheets/protocols etc
- Configuring / setting up the Medical Engineering Database

I'd be interested to hear if other sites have hybrid engineers with very strong IT skills and what would be appropriate in the form of banding etc. Answers on a postcard (or via pm if you wish)

Cheers
Joe

Isn't stuff like that considered to be "all part of the job" (yet) these days then, Joe?

Especially for young techs entering the "trade"?

In my experience, all the best biomed techs were (and indeed, are) all-rounders (or "hybrids", as you call them). That's the nature of biomed work ("goes with the turf", whatever). It's certainly not just - nor has it ever been - "just electronics"! That's one of the things that makes it so interesting.

As for entering the "techie" age ... surely that began back in the 1970's, at least!

I don't know to be honest, I've only got my corner of the woods to reflect upon.

There's plenty of great engineers out there with 'standard' computer skills.

I'm just wondering if 'most/all/some' EBME departments specifically employ a person like this to do the more IT intense work and if so, what sort of grade? Do they feel that its justified given that they may not be in a managerial role?