"Postdoctoral Clinical Research Fellow"

As a Postdoctoral Clinical Research Fellow 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 have the opportunity to pursue innovative research projects focusing on anterior eye conditions, in particular anterior uveitis, dry eye disease and contact lens wear.

You'll conduct interdisciplinary clinical studies and clinical trials, and contribute to evidence synthesis and research translation (including through systematic reviews and meta-analyses). This role offers you the chance to make a significant impact on patient outcomes while developing your research and academic leadership skills in a collaborative environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conduct Clinical Research: Plan and manage projects, recruit participants, develop study protocols, and perform assessments using advanced analytical techniques.
• Analyze and Publish Findings: Collect and manage data, perform analyses, and deliver academic outputs such as peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations.
• Mentor and Supervise: Work collaboratively with team members, external stakeholders, and supervise students to foster a positive research culture.
• Contribute to Research Development: Assist in preparing research proposals and securing funding for future projects.
• Collaborate and Partner: Liaise effectively with external parties, including industry, academics, clinicians and consumers to foster research collaborations and partnerships.

You may be a great fit if: You are a dedicated researcher with a PhD in optometry or vision science, possessing excellent clinical research skills, strong written and oral communication abilities, and a proven track record of producing high-quality research outputs.

You may also: Have a PhD in optometry or vision science (submitted or conferred). Demonstrate experience in conducting high-quality clinical research. Possess excellent written and oral communication skills for disseminating research. Show ability to produce high-quality research outputs and write research grants. Have strong interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

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!

Your new team – Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences: The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences currently comprises twenty-four academic staff (10 teaching and research, 5 teaching specialist and 9 research only). 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.