Resident Research Fellows
With the opening of our new hospital, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, it’s the coming together of expertise from every corner of our organisation and a show of our commitment to provide better healthcare and create more jobs and so much more.
We at the Trust actively encourage Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) and disabled applicants, as well as members of the armed forces community and value the positive impact that difference has on our teams. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce.
Job overview
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 ).
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main 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 from August 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 ([email protected], 0121-507-8087 / 07977 145538) to arrange an informal visit.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Basic Medical Qualification (eg MBBS or MBChB)
- Part 1 FRCOphth. RCO certificate in Optics and Refraction
- BMedSc/BA/BSc/MSc/MRes
- PGCert Medical Education
Other Requirements
Essential criteria- • Eligible for or possess limited or full GMC registration
- • Appropriate Immigration Status (where appropriate)
Clinical Experience
Essential criteria- 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
- Able to assess common eye emergencies
- Be able to take intraocular pressure
- EyeSi surgical log
Professional and MDT
Essential criteria- Ability to work well with colleagues and within a team
Clinical Effectiveness
Essential criteria- Experience of taking part in clinical audit
- Ophthalmology based clinical audit
Teaching and Training
Essential criteria- Some experience of teaching
- Patient and Public Involvement
Research Experience
Essential criteria- Must be in possession of a valid NIHR GCP certificate
- Use of electronic research databases (eg REDCap, EDGE, access)
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
We encourage all prospective applicants to discuss their individual circumstances with the Recruiting Manager as part of the on-boarding process.