Clinical Academic Fellow (Ophthalmology Research and Education) in Portsmouth

Full-time fixed term post for 12 months – MT04. The Trust has a reputation for award‑winning research and innovation. Last year our research teams recruited over 16,000 participants into clinical trials and this effort led to PHU being ranked the top recruiting large acute trusts. This post represents an exciting opportunity to work in a busy eye department with a focus on delivery of our clinical academic portfolio comprising of both research and education activities.

We will be involved in delivering undergraduate medical education in PHU in strategic partnership with King's College London (KCL) to deliver a Branch of the KCL MBBS GEM course at the University of Portsmouth (UoP). You will support consultant colleagues with delivery of teaching sessions and placements within the unit, and co‑develop and help coordinate student projects. In addition, the post holder will be required to deliver delegated research responsibilities, under the supervision of our Principal Investigator(s). This portfolio will primarily sit within Ophthalmology; however, the post holder will also have the opportunity to support other commercial trials as directed by the Head of Research/Clinical Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the coordination and management of trial activities.
• Submit applications for relevant regulatory, ethics and governance permissions to conduct clinical trials within the Trust/University.
• Identify, screen and assess the suitability of local patients to take part in research, according to specified inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Provide specialist information to patients about taking part in clinical trials, including risks and benefits, and facilitate gaining their informed consent.
• Ensure trial specific investigations and sampling are undertaken as per the protocol to establish eligibility and ensure safe entry into trials.
• Develop and oversee student projects (research/audit) within the department in line with course requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation in an auditable format and accurately record data as required by each project.
• Identify barriers to recruitment and performance, communicate these to the wider team, and help facilitate their resolution.
• Ensure all activities undertaken meet the standards set out in the Principles of Good Clinical Practice and the National Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care (DH, 2005).
• Present findings at national meetings and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Actively participate in team meetings, including research fellows, research nurses, department consultants and university staff.
• Promote a culture of academic excellence through 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 licence to practice.
• PG Certificate in Clinical Education (desirable).
• Good Clinical Practice.

Experience

• Prior NHS experience in an 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

• Appropriate clinical knowledge of ophthalmology.
• Knowledge and use of evidence based practice.
• Effective, confident presentation ability.
• Experience in and outside speciality.

Other

• Demonstration of enthusiasm and interest in a career in ophthalmology.
• 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.
• Evidence of participation in audit, publications, prizes and honours.
• Logical thinking, problem solving and decision making.

Equality and Diversity

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.