Job summary
Applications are invited for three, replacement, non-training, resident research fellow posts at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre. The posts will specialise in Glaucoma, Academic & Medical retina respectively.
The Resident Academic Research post offers opportunities to gain subspecialty experience in inflammatory eye diseases and translational research. The post is linked to the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology at The University of Birmingham and experience will be gained in liaising with Research Nurses, Scientists and Researchers in the University laboratories.
The Resident Glaucoma Research Fellow post offers opportunities in obtaining basic glaucoma clinical and research experience. The applicant will be required to engage in glaucoma clinical and commercial trials.
The Resident Medical Retina fellow will be expected to fully participate in departmental clinical research, help run trials, from setting up trials, help in patient recruitment, coordination and smooth delivery of trials. Other duties involve data gathering, analysis and help write up of publications and presentations. They will also help in departmental Audits ensuring completion of audit cycles.
Advert will close early if enough applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
Resident Academic Research Fellow
The post is linked to the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology within the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham. It offers opportunities for developing or honing research skills. The main clinical and research interests of the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology are based upon the inflammatory mechanisms in the ocular environment, including immunologically mediated ocular surface diseases (OSD) and intraocular inflammation (uveitis), and biomaterial device impact on wound healing and scarring in ocular tissues. The applicant will be expected to support, recruit and participate in the delivery of all existing experimental medicine trials and laboratory science as well as undertake their own project. A critical component of the post is to obtain ocular samples for research and to ensure that the collection and delivery of ocular tissue/fluid samples to the University of Birmingham for translational studies is streamlined. Knowledge of good clinical practice in the clinical setting and laboratory, and the importance of NIHR Clinical Research Networks and portfolio-adopted studies is mandatory (http://www.crncc.nihr.ac.uk/about_us/processes/portfolio ).
About us
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB) serves Birmingham and the Black Country - one of the country's most culturally diverse areas. It's a friendly and welcoming place - a place where you can belong, and a place where you can grow.
We care for our patients, we care about our population, and we care about our people.
Our values - Ambition, Respect and Compassion - are at the heart of who we are. They guide us every step of the way; how we work with each other, and how we look after our patients and their families; how we respect and value the rich diversity of our team and our community.
Our Trust has always aspired to be more than a hospital, more than a healthcare provider. Our purpose is to "Improve the Life Chances and Health Outcomes of our Population." It is what inspires, drives, and unites us every day. It's what makes us unique.
We want working at SWB to feel like more than just a job. We want our Trust to be a place where you can feel you belong. A place where you feel happy, safe, and rewarded. A place where you can develop your career in whatever way you choose.When we say we're 'with you all the way' we want you to know that we mean it.Visit the SWB website to find out more about our ambitions and people plans.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Resident Glaucoma Research Fellow
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Mr Velota Sung, consultant ophthalmologist, as part of an established multi-disciplinary research project in the field of Glaucoma.
Key duties will include;
- To participate in clinical activities including clinics and co-ordinate admissions and management for general ophthalmic and glaucoma emergencies.
- To participate in audits and research activities within the glaucoma service.
- To participate in teaching activities and co-ordinate regional grand rounds and glaucoma training courses.
Resident Medical Retina Fellow
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Mrs Lip & other Medical Retina Consultants, as part of an established multi-disciplinary research projects / clinical trials team in the field of Medical retina.
Key duties will include;
- To participate in clinical activities
- To participate in audits and research activities within the medical retina service including help with research trials.
- To participate in teaching activities and co-ordinate regional grand rounds.
The clinical programme of work includes general outpatient and subspecialty clinic sessions, as well as Emergency Department sessions with an opportunity to attend Theatre. The post is whole time and non-resident. The post is not recognised for training.
The posts are suitable for those wanting to gain experience in clinical ophthalmology and research before applying for Speciality Training in Ophthalmology. The Posts have a remarkable track record in supporting residents in obtaining a national ST training post in ophthalmology.
The post is available fromAugust 2025 for a fixed-term period of 12 months and will be for 40 hours per week together with ad hoc sessions out-of-hours Ophthalmology Emergency Department Cover. Applicants should have completed their Foundation training (Years 1 and 2 or have equivalent competencies) and hold full registration with the General Medical Council. The posts are suited to applicants who wish to pursue a career in ophthalmology and are eligible to apply for Specialist Trainee Year 1 or above but feel that their curriculum vitae need to be enhanced by research experience
For more information on the job role and responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description attached.
Applicants may contact SERVICE MANAGER (Vijay.Modi@nhs.net, 0121-507-8087 / 07977 145538) to arrange an informal visit.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Resident Glaucoma Research Fellow
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Mr Velota Sung, consultant ophthalmologist, as part of an established multi-disciplinary research project in the field of Glaucoma.
Key duties will include;
- To participate in clinical activities including clinics and co-ordinate admissions and management for general ophthalmic and glaucoma emergencies.
- To participate in audits and research activities within the glaucoma service.
- To participate in teaching activities and co-ordinate regional grand rounds and glaucoma training courses.
Resident Medical Retina Fellow
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Mrs Lip & other Medical Retina Consultants, as part of an established multi-disciplinary research projects / clinical trials team in the field of Medical retina.
Key duties will include;
- To participate in clinical activities
- To participate in audits and research activities within the medical retina service including help with research trials.
- To participate in teaching activities and co-ordinate regional grand rounds.
The clinical programme of work includes general outpatient and subspecialty clinic sessions, as well as Emergency Department sessions with an opportunity to attend Theatre. The post is whole time and non-resident. The post is not recognised for training.
The posts are suitable for those wanting to gain experience in clinical ophthalmology and research before applying for Speciality Training in Ophthalmology. The Posts have a remarkable track record in supporting residents in obtaining a national ST training post in ophthalmology.
The post is available fromAugust 2025 for a fixed-term period of 12 months and will be for 40 hours per week together with ad hoc sessions out-of-hours Ophthalmology Emergency Department Cover. Applicants should have completed their Foundation training (Years 1 and 2 or have equivalent competencies) and hold full registration with the General Medical Council. The posts are suited to applicants who wish to pursue a career in ophthalmology and are eligible to apply for Specialist Trainee Year 1 or above but feel that their curriculum vitae need to be enhanced by research experience
For more information on the job role and responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description attached.
Applicants may contact SERVICE MANAGER (Vijay.Modi@nhs.net, 0121-507-8087 / 07977 145538) to arrange an informal visit.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Medical Qualification (eg MBBS or MBChB)
Desirable
- Part 1 FRCOphth. RCO certificate in Optics and Refraction
- BMedSc/BA/BSc/MSc/MRes
- PGCert Medical Education
Other Requirements
Essential
- oEligible for or possess limited or full GMC registration
- oAppropriate Immigration Status (where appropriate)
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Foundation Year 2 competencies undertaken in the UK, EU or equivalent system
- Experience in using a slit lamp biomicroscope.
- Experience in working in an ophthalmology clinic
- Able to take a detailed medical history, carry out a full medical examination and arrive at a differential diagnosis
- Able to manage common medical emergencies
- CVs must demonstrate a commitment to ophthalmology as a career.
- Appropriate experience of supervised surgery as per Royal College guidelines
- Good manual dexterity
Desirable
- Able to assess common eye emergencies
- Be able to take intraocular pressure
- EyeSi surgical log
Professional and MDT
Essential
- Ability to work well with colleagues and within a team
Clinical Effectiveness
Essential
- Experience of taking part in clinical audit
Desirable
- Ophthalmology based clinical audit
Teaching and Training
Essential
- Some experience of teaching
Desirable
- Patient and Public Involvement
Research Experience
Essential
- Must be in possession of a valid NIHR GCP certificate
- Use of electronic research databases (eg REDCap, EDGE, access)
Desirable
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Medical Qualification (eg MBBS or MBChB)
Desirable
- Part 1 FRCOphth. RCO certificate in Optics and Refraction
- BMedSc/BA/BSc/MSc/MRes
- PGCert Medical Education
Other Requirements
Essential
- oEligible for or possess limited or full GMC registration
- oAppropriate Immigration Status (where appropriate)
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Foundation Year 2 competencies undertaken in the UK, EU or equivalent system
- Experience in using a slit lamp biomicroscope.
- Experience in working in an ophthalmology clinic
- Able to take a detailed medical history, carry out a full medical examination and arrive at a differential diagnosis
- Able to manage common medical emergencies
- CVs must demonstrate a commitment to ophthalmology as a career.
- Appropriate experience of supervised surgery as per Royal College guidelines
- Good manual dexterity
Desirable
- Able to assess common eye emergencies
- Be able to take intraocular pressure
- EyeSi surgical log
Professional and MDT
Essential
- Ability to work well with colleagues and within a team
Clinical Effectiveness
Essential
- Experience of taking part in clinical audit
Desirable
- Ophthalmology based clinical audit
Teaching and Training
Essential
- Some experience of teaching
Desirable
- Patient and Public Involvement
Research Experience
Essential
- Must be in possession of a valid NIHR GCP certificate
- Use of electronic research databases (eg REDCap, EDGE, access)
Desirable
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
