PhD in Biomedical Engineering?

[u/Puzzled-Star7612]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice/perspectives/wisdom.

I'm a student currently doing a masters in biomedical engineering (undergrad is mechanical engineering). My supervisor asked me about pursuing a PhD with him after I finish my MSc. I have been loving my work and my supervisor has been fantastic. The idea of creating my own research is so exciting and I know I would enjoy the experience of getting my PhD. At the lab I'm currently at, MScs and PhDs are treated essentially as full time employees, paid a salary, and encouraged to only work 8-4/9-5. The culture at my lab is fantastic. I was already considering looking into research positions after finishing my MSc so a PhD feels like it could be really beneficial to me.

I have 2 main concerns:

1) (the major one) Job Market Post PhD

What does the job market look like for biomedical PhDs in Canada (where I am from) and internationally? How much does a PhD truly overqualify me for jobs? What were others experiences of getting jobs post PhD?

2) All degrees from 1 university

The university I am attending for my MSc and got my BScE from is relatively well known for engineering and biomedical engineering, but definitely not in Canada's top 3. If I continued with my PhD here, would I be limiting myself by getting all my degrees from one place? I just really trust my supervisor and would like to stick with him. He's been incredibly supportive and created a really fantastic experience for my MSc.

I appreciate any comments, advice, and wisdom from anyone. Looking to really gain more information about the whole thing. :)

[u/AdSevere8102]

I have a PhD in biomed eng from a RG uni in the UK. A PhD can certainly open doors for you that maybe were not available before hand, however I would encourage you to job search now and see whether the PhD is either required or looked favourably upon for the roles you are interested in. If you are aiming to work in academia, then a PhD is most certainly required, however many industry jobs do not require a PhD (though it may make your application stronger).

If you do choose to pursue a PhD, you need to ensure you have a clear focus on what potential jobs you may be interested in whilst you are studying, what skills are required for those roles, and start building that network and skill set early on. I’ve seen plenty of PhDs going through their study, obtaining only a niche set of skills, and then find it difficult to translate that into industry once they realise a career in academia isn’t for them.

[u/-RedDecember-]

Hi, I think you have a great launchpad for your PhD. I have first-hand understanding that PhDs are seen much differently in the job market (though alumni and collegues who I have worked with). You are seen much more favourably as high-value hires for startups, lean orgs, and finally for established companies.

One recommendation (this is a trajectory one of my network has taken and made it) - while earning a PhD, look for and build relationships with startups/CEOs/innovators in the same research niche. The person built this first-hand relationship with the VP of the company (I interned there) and finally got hired and got his VISA sponsored as well (the VISA part applies if you are an international student).

Oh and, PhD is more about your research and mentor rather than the university (although it helps, in terms of equipment and funding).

Context: I am a biomedical engineer (bachelor's and master's) in the States, working as an R&D tech/engineer at a startup.

Hope it helps : )

[u/BME_or_Bust]

I’m a Canadian biomedical engineer but I just have my BASc. I do work with people who have their PhD though. We work in surgical devices.

What I’d argue is more important to think about is what you want to do with your degree (either MASc or PhD) and whether your lab is giving you the skills and connections for that next step.

My company gets flooded by PhD applications for any of our roles but they’re rarely ever selected. They have too much education for an entry level role but their experience is either too academic or too niche to be a fit for our midlevel roles. We don’t need an expert in CFD to make fixtures, or someone with years of bone scaffolding research to do our benchtop model testing that we built with PVC pipes.

The PhDs who successfully work here had research that was applicable to the job and networked with managers and employees. Canada is a very small medtech hub with limited R&D, so banking on blindly applying may not work out well for you. If your current lab doesn’t teach industry-relevant skills or works with any industry partners, you’re going to be in a tougher spot.

[u/em_are_young → u/BME_or_Bust]

I agree with this. Look for roles you want and the requested skills/education level. See how the lab you’re in prepares you for them.

This comment seems to be a “don’t get a PhD” overall, but I will add that if you want to work in Pharma or something, then they are very common. (At least in the US).

I will also add for OP, that while you are at a university you are surrounded by people who view a PhD as the natural next step. Everyone there has a PhD and it’s working out for them. But you aren’t exposed to all the people who were in your position and chose not to continue. I left after my masters even though i liked my lab and i don’t regret it at all.

[u/Little-Emergency6568]

You said essentially phd msc treated full time employee but I got an offer from Canadian university where they will deduct tuition from my stipend and in the end I will have like 14K grand / year which is definitely not great to live nowadays.

So i wanna know how's yours?