About Occuity
At Occuity, we are pioneering ground-breaking technological solutions to alleviate some of humanity’s greatest healthcare challenges by developing technology that takes instant health diagnostic information simply by looking in the eye. With our clear vision and values, a world-leading team of experts, 9 international patents and more pending, we are developing a hugely innovative range of products that will improve the lives of millions of people around the world. Healthcare challenges are there to be solved and at Occuity, we have the vision and the technical ability to succeed. Occuity’s aim is for our accessible, non-contact, mobile diagnostic health devices to make repetitive, invasive monitoring a thing of the past.
At Occuity, we value being at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and we have an incredible team of people helping us do just that. Our employees are excited to be part of a team that thrives in a culture of innovation and imagination. Our success means that we are now expanding at a rapid pace and we are seeking truly exceptional people to join our team. We are looking for trailblazers, visionaries and the naturally inquisitive; those who can challenge and those who can inspire. At Occuity, every single person has a voice - and a vital contribution to make to our success.
If this sounds like you, why not join us on our journey?
The Role
As part of our ambitious growth plans, Occuity is now seeking an experienced Clinical Research Fellow to drive innovative research in the field of eye growth, vision, and myopia. Not only will this research enhance our scientific understanding of myopia, but it will also have clinical and commercial applications for development and optimisation of a new generation of transformational diagnostic medical devices and treatment efforts. Occuity’s devices use novel optical methods to identify signatures of chronic and systemic diseases Alzheimer’s disease, Myopia, and Diabetes). The applicant will work with a diverse team of scientists and engineers to help drive testing for a range of projects. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a keen interest in ocular research to develop their clinical skills and experience. The role also offers a fascinating opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of Occuity’s pioneering medical devices.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Clinical Fellow will play a key role in helping drive the clinical aspects of a new research project, which will entail project design and experimental work in addition to data analysis and reporting the results in peer-reviewed journals. It will be a considerably patient-facing role which will include, but not be limited to the following responsibilities:
1. Co-ordination and execution of a range of clinical testing and ocular imaging on human participants – in particular, children
2. Preparation of study protocols and documentation, such as ethics applications
3. Participation in the identification and recruitment of eligible study participants and maintaining patient safety throughout the tests
4. Public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE): plan and deliver activities to encourage participant retention and myopia awareness
5. Quantifying a range of images resulting from the tests
6. Compilation, storage, analysis, and interpretation of all research data
7. Ensuring that all studies and tests are conducted in accordance with the required regulatory and ethical standards
8. Aiding in ongoing improvements to project design, using an Agile approach
9. Preparation of manuscripts for publication of results in peer-reviewed journals
10. Dissemination at international conferences
11. Ad hoc testing work across other projects
Experience, Skills, and Qualifications
Essential
12. An Undergraduate degree in optometry or a similar degree incorporating an optometry component
13. A solid background in research
14. An understanding of retinal circuitry and visual processing
15. Demonstrable previous clinical experience (for example, previous experience in an Optician/Optometrist environment)
16. Significant previous clinical experience working with a range of patients - in particular children - is essential
17. A solid background in data collection and analysis (preferably relating to the eye)
18. Experience in literature searches and manuscript preparation
19. Comfortable with the planning and execution of clinical tests and ocular imaging
20. Must be genuinely enthused about research in general with a passion for the eye/vision in particular
Desirable
21. A Masters or PhD in an optometry-related discipline
22. Good publication record, including as first author
23. Previous experience presenting at conferences
24. Prior experience in research ethics applications Integrated Research Application System: IRAS)
25. Skills in statistical analysis
26. Skills in coding
27. Experience with acquisition and analysis (quantification and interpretation) of retinal imaging metrics, such as optical coherence tomography, fundus imaging, adaptive optics
28. Understanding of colour vision
29. Understanding of Prediction Error Minimisation Theory
Personal Attributes
30. You are genuinely excited about the prospect of making a real difference to people’s vision and health around the world
31. A good communicator, both in lay and scientific terms, with strong writing skills
32. Enthusiastic and passionate, you are a keen analytical thinker and problem solver
33. Self-motivated, persistent and collaborative, you have a “can-do” attitude and approach
34. A keen eye for detail and a commitment to research integrity
35. Tenacious and persistent with a determination to go the extra mile to see all projects through to completion
36. Equally capable of working independently or as part of a team
37. An excellent communicator, you are adept at information sharing and contributing towards an open, positive team atmosphere
38. Adaptable to the varying needs and behaviour of challenging patients
Equality and Diversity
Occuity is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.
Further details on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy can be found online