Research Associate

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to August 2026

Background

The overarching aim of the mTBI-Predict programme is to identify accurate, reproducible biomarkers in mild traumatic brain injury (m-TBI) that will predict the most common and disabling consequences of mTBI: primarily persistent post-traumatic headache, as well as cognitive dysfunction, depression, PTSD, dizziness and return to work. This will be achieved through a harmonised programme of detailed clinical phenotyping of acute mTBI patients coupled with state-of-the-art multimodal biomarker evaluation (brain imaging, fluid biomarkers, steroid hormones, visual, vestibular, cerebral physiology, and EEG). The programme is divided into workstreams, the research associate post described here is for the vision workstream that is being led by Prof Richard Blanch at the School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology and University Hospitals Birmingham.

The Research Associate will be responsible for visual testing, including optical coherence tomography, pupillometry and visual field testing. The candidate will be part of an integrative and multi-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians working collaboratively to deliver this workstream. 

To apply, please upload a cover letter and CV.

We expect to interview shortlisted candidates in person. 

Role Summary

The role will involve assessment of participants retinal structure and function using a range of standard clinical tests including optical coherence tomography, pupillometry, colour vision and visual field testing to assess the impact of mTBI. The research associate will be part of an integrative and multi-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians working collaboratively to deliver this workstream. 

Main Duties

• Perform vision testing in the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (CRF)
• Analyse and manage collected visual data as directed; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews and data upload
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Participate in research team meetings
• To present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• To provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Participate and contribute to public engagement events

Person Specification

• A BSc in the area of Optometry, Orthoptics, Vision Science, Physiology and Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or Neuroscience
• Understanding of research and conducting of human (clinical) trials
• Preferably practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, including OCT and visual field testing, although training will be provided on all techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• Cooperative nature and strong teamwork skills, with a willingness to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to public engagement activities 
• Strong IT skills

Informal enquiries to Lisa Powell, email: l.h.powell@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above. 

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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