Vision Scientist

Speciality: Visual Electrophysiology and Ophthalmic Imaging

Ward/Department: Ophthalmology, Sight and Sound Centre Outpatients, Queen Square

We are looking for an enthusiastic Vision Scientist skilled at working with children. This person will have experience and skills in clinical visual electrophysiology and the personal qualities needed to work with children. They will be able to work well and closely in a team and will be interested in active learning. Mentorship and support will be provided as they gain further specialised experience with the complex paediatric patient population seen at GOSH.

You will help the multi-professional clinical vision science team provide specialist visual electrophysiology services for children with complex conditions. You will also support ocular imaging and eye movement services when needed. These outpatient services are based in Ophthalmology.

The visual electrophysiology unit is an accredited training centre for Health Education England training programmes and offers many learning and development opportunities. You will have the opportunity to contribute to departmental teaching, case presentations, audit, and ongoing clinical research activities.

Main duties of the job:

• Support and assist the Visual Electrophysiology team to perform clinical visual electrodiagnostic tests (EDTs) and high-quality ocular imaging on babies and children in the Ophthalmology department of GOSH.
• Assist the Clinical Scientists by maintaining tidiness and cleanliness of the clinical labs and ensuring they are stocked and ready for clinical activity.
• Interact with children, carers, and families, explaining the tests in person or supporting others in the team while they explain the tests.
• Measure a child’s head circumference and correctly position electrodes on the head, around, and on the eye.
• Organise specialist appointments that may require longer time, such as ISCEV retinal recordings for the medical retina transitional clinic, eye movement recordings, and appointments for inpatients who have had ophthalmology consultant review.
• Liaise with ward staff and carers to ensure an inpatient is well enough to move to outpatients for the tests.
• Ensure that the clinical facilities are fully equipped and adequate administrative processes are in place for an efficient working environment.
• Be familiar with the Trust’s complaint procedure.
• Support and undertake any projects/audits initiated by the Trust or Unit.

Working for our organisation:

We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing a more diverse workforce, we’ll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.

Our hospital is committed to creating an open and inclusive environment. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through various networks, all sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.

We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and understand that diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required.

Person specification:

Essential criteria:

• A-level or equivalent in science subjects.

Desirable criteria:

• BSc Science.
• Training courses in ophthalmic imaging and/or visual electrophysiology.

Experience/Knowledge:

Essential criteria:

• Experience of working with children and their families.
• Knowledge of visual electrophysiology.
• Basic knowledge of the eye and visual pathway.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience of working in hospital settings.

Skills/Abilities:

Essential criteria:

• Ability to communicate well with and relate to children and their families and/or carers.
• Ability to input data accurately and use spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and word documents.
• Able to work well with a team in proximity in restricted space.
• Physically capable of dealing with active children and equipment.
• Good situational awareness and ability to adapt communication empathically.
• Resilience and the ability to manage stressful situations and own well-being.
• Adaptability, in the moment.