Clinical Academic Fellow (Ophthalmology Research and Education)

Key Responsibilities: 

Supporting the coordination and management of trial activities  

Submitting applications for relevant Regulatory, Ethics and Governance permissions to conduct Clinical Trials within the Trust/University.  

Identifying, screening and assessing the suitability of local patients to take part in research, according to specified inclusion/exclusion criteria. 

Providing specialist information to patients about taking part in Clinical Trials, including the risks and benefits of participation in specific protocols. Initiating and facilitating the process of gaining their informed consent. 

Ensuring trial specific investigations and sampling are undertaken as per the Protocol to establish eligibility and to ensure safe entry into trials. 

Develop and oversee student projects (research/audit) within the department in line with course requirements  

Maintaining accurate documentation in an auditable format and accurately record data as required by each project.  

Identifying barriers to recruitment and performance, communicating these to the wider team, and help facilitate their resolution. 

Ensuring all activities undertaken meet the standards set out in the Principles of Good Clinical Practice and National Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care (DH, 2005).  

The post holder will be encouraged to present findings at national meetings as well as publishing in peer reviewed journals.  

Actively participate in team meetings, including research fellows, research nurses and department consultants and University staff. 

Promote a culture of academic excellence through peer-peer learning and education sessions 

Develop relevant teaching materials and work with University colleagues to ensure teaching sessions are covered on site and at the University 

Identifying barriers to recruitment and performance, communicating these to the wider team, and help facilitate their resolution. 

Ensuring all activities undertaken meet the standards set out in the Principles of Good Clinical Practice and National Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care (DH, 2005).  

The post holder will be encouraged to present findings at national meetings as well as publishing in peer reviewed journals.  

Actively participate in team meetings, including research fellows, research nurses and department consultants and University staff. 

Promote a culture of academic excellence through peer-peer learning and education sessions 

Develop relevant teaching materials and work with University colleagues to ensure teaching sessions are covered on site and at the University 

Qualifications 

• Full GMC registration with a licence to practice 
• PG Certificate in Clinical Education (Desirable)  
• Good Clinical Practice 
• Associate PI Scheme (Desirable) 

Experience 

• Prior NHS experience in eye department  
• Delivery of teaching/training within the specialty  
• Development of documents for regulatory approval submission 

Clinical Skills 

• Demonstrable skills and experience of glaucoma clinic/use of specialist equipment  
• Understanding of clinical risk management 

Knowledge 

• Able to demonstrate appropriate level of clinical knowledge 
• Knowledge and use of evidence based practice 
• IT skills 
• Effective, confident presentation ability 
• Experience in and outside speciality 

Other 

• Demonstration of enthusiasm and interest in a career in Ophthalmology  
• The ability to interact well intellectually and personally with colleagues, students and patients 
• Ability to motivate others and engage different staff in activities  
• Self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work both independently and as part of a busy team 
• Evidence of prioritising and organisational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation and report writing skills 
• Good attention to detail 
• Evidence of participation in audit 
• Publications  
• Prizes and honours 
• Logical thinking, problem solving and decision making 

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. 

For more information, please see our  People and OD Strategy 2026