"Clinical Research Optometrist & Research Coordinator"

As a Clinical Research Optometrist and Research Coordinator in the Downie Laboratory: Anterior Eye, Clinical Trials and Research Translation Unit in the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Melbourne, you'll play a crucial role in conducting clinical studies and clinical trials for new ocular diagnostics and therapeutics. You'll have the opportunity to manage clinical studies, perform assessments on research volunteers, and contribute to research project planning and execution. This role offers you the chance to develop advanced clinical and research skills while working with leading experts in a dynamic research environment focused on improving patient outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage Clinical Studies: Recruit participants, perform study assessments, and ensure adherence to protocols.
• Contribute to Research Planning: Assist in project planning, human research ethics and clinical trial governance applications, and data management.
• Deliver Academic Outputs: Contribute to peer-reviewed papers, conference presentations, and research proposals.
• Support Team Development: Assist in supervising students and staff, fostering a positive research culture.
• Engage with External Partners: Coordinate and contribute to meetings and events with parties such as industry, clinicians and patient consumers.

You may be a great fit if: You are a qualified, AHPRA-registered optometrist with therapeutic endorsement, possessing excellent clinical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

You may also: Hold an optometry qualification with therapeutic endorsement and rights to practice in Australia. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English. Possess strong organisational and time management abilities. Have experience in clinical research, particularly in conducting clinical trials. Hold a PhD in optometry or vision science (desirable). Have current Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification (desirable).

What we offer you! We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including: Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being. Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance. Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance. Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program. Comprehensive career development and training, plus a 25% discount on UniMelb graduate courses for your immediate family members! For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences: The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences currently comprises twenty-four academic staff. The Department is located at 200 Berkeley St Carlton, Parkville Campus, and has laboratory and office space for its Visual Neuroscience research groups in the Kenneth Myer Building. The Melbourne Eyecare Clinic is collocated in 200 Berkeley St, and provides clinical training for Optometry students, and clinical eyecare service to students and staff of the University, as well as to the general public. The department provides a 4-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) entry-to-practice postgraduate degree. Approximately 280 students are enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry (70 per year level, on average). The department teaches vision science subjects in the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine degrees. The Department offers further professional training through its Specialist Certificates and Masters in Clinical Optometry, specifically aimed at advancing clinical knowledge and scope of practice for qualified optometrists. The Department has a vigorous and expanding research program in optometry and vision sciences. It offers courses of training by research leading to the degrees of PhD and Master of Philosophy, and currently has around 20 students pursuing research higher degrees.