Unlock Your Future in Biological Engineering: Cutting-Edge Careers in Academia Await!
Biological Engineering faculty jobs represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in higher education, fueled by breakthroughs in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and personalized medicine. As universities race to build world-class bioengineering departments, opportunities abound for innovative researchers and educators. Browse higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com to find your next role in this transformative field.
Biological Engineering fuses engineering principles with biological sciences to tackle global challenges like developing CRISPR therapies, engineering biofuels from algae, and creating lab-grown organs. Demand surges with the biotech industry's $1.5 trillion valuation in 2023, per Statista. Students should start with a BS in Biological Engineering or Biomedical Engineering, layering in math, physics, and molecular biology. Top programs at MIT and Stanford emphasize hands-on labs and interdisciplinary projects, leading to PhDs essential for tenure-track positions.
For aspiring professors, professor jobs in Biological Engineering offer prestige and impact. Fringe quirks include niche roles like bioengineering for space agriculture at Cornell or microbial engineering for climate solutions at UC Berkeley. Job seekers, check Biological Engineering professor ratings to gauge department cultures. Parents note the field's 7% projected growth through 2032 (BLS), with strong ROI on advanced degrees.
Key Career Paths in Biological Engineering
Students and early-career professionals in Biological Engineering can pivot into academia, industry, or government labs. Common trajectories include research assistant roles post-BS, PhD programs, and postdocs before faculty hires. Find research assistant jobs.
For Students: What to Study
- Bachelor's: Core courses in biomechanics, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics.
- Master's/PhD: Specialize in tissue engineering or synthetic biology; programs like Georgia Tech's offer co-ops with Medtronic.
Unique anecdote: Duke University's bioengineers pioneered vascular tissue printing, inspiring student projects worldwide.
Professor Pathways
Tenure-track starts as assistant professor, advancing with grants from NSF. Faculty jobs cluster in biotech hubs.
Biological Engineering Professor Salaries and Trends
Earnings vary by rank, location, and institution prestige. Explore professor salaries for detailed breakdowns. In 2023, AAUP data shows averages:
| Rank | National Avg (USD) | Top 10% (e.g., CA/MA) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $118,000 | $165,000 |
| Associate Professor | $142,000 | $195,000 |
| Full Professor | $192,000 | $285,000+ |
Trends: Salaries rose 4.2% in 2023 amid biotech funding boom. California leads with Stanford profs earning premiums; quirky locale note: Texas A&M offers oil-to-biofuel research perks. California university jobs and Massachusetts academic positions dominate.
Top Biological Engineering Programs and Job Hotspots
Elite Universities
MIT's Department of Biological Engineering leads with $100M+ annual research; Ivy League peers like Harvard integrate med school ties.
Emerging Hubs
Johns Hopkins excels in neuroengineering; fringe case: Rice University's nanotech-bio fusion yields unique patents.
Search rate my Biological Engineering professor for insights. Higher ed career advice recommends networking at BMES conferences.
Job Search Tips for Biological Engineering Roles
Tailor resumes with publications; leverage free resume template. Target postdoc jobs for experience. Rate departments via rate my professor. For adjuncts, see adjunct professor jobs.
Associations for Biological Engineering
Institute of Biological Engineering
A professional organization dedicated to advancing biological engineering through education, research, and collaboration.
Biomedical Engineering Society
An organization focused on promoting the profession of biomedical engineering through education, research, and professional development.
International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering
A global federation that promotes medical and biological engineering worldwide through international cooperation and knowledge dissemination.
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
An international scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems.
European Alliance for Medical and Biological Engineering and Science
An organization that promotes medical and biological engineering in Europe through advocacy, education, and policy influence.
Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society
A national society that advances the field of medical and biological engineering in Canada through professional development and networking.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers Biomedical Engineering Division
A division focused on advancing biomedical engineering practices and innovations within the mechanical engineering community in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔬What is Biological Engineering?
Biological Engineering applies engineering to biology for innovations like gene editing and biomaterials. Key areas include synthetic biology and biomedical devices. Get career advice.
🎓What degrees lead to Biological Engineering faculty jobs?
BS/MS/PhD in Biological or Biomedical Engineering. Focus on bioinformatics and biomechanics. Top paths via MIT or UC Berkeley programs.
💰What are average Biological Engineering professor salaries?
Assistant: $118K, Full: $192K (AAUP 2023). Varies by location; see professor salaries for details.
🏆Top universities for Biological Engineering?
MIT, Stanford, Johns Hopkins lead rankings. Check university rankings and professor ratings.
📈Job outlook for Biological Engineering?
7% growth to 2032 (BLS), driven by biotech. Faculty demand high in CA/MA; explore faculty jobs.
⭐How to rate Biological Engineering professors?
Use Rate My Professor for insights on teaching and research. Essential for grad school choices.
🌱Unique quirks in Biological Engineering academia?
Fringe roles like space bioengineering at NASA-affiliated labs or algae biofuels at Cornell. High grant potential from NIH.
📍Best locations for Biological Engineering jobs?
California (US California jobs) and Massachusetts top lists with Stanford/MIT hubs.
.png&w=128&q=75)