Hale-Rudd Lecturer in Experimental Ophthalmology

Job Purpose

The Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, part of the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, wish to appoint a Lecturer in experimental ophthalmology who will complement and enhance the spectrum of research at both a basic and translational level within a multi-disciplinary team working on immunologically-driven diseases of the eye that lead to inflammation and fibrosis. The Academic Unit of Ophthalmology has a long-established interest in Inflammatory Mechanisms in the Ocular Environment particularly immune-regulated ocular surface disease and intraocular inflammation. The Unit recently joined forces to form the Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group (http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/inflammation-ageing/research/neuro/index.aspx) and works closely with Biomaterial Engineering, Medical Devices and Testing Evaluation Centre (MD-TEC), Biosciences, and Institute of Translational Medicine. Large cohorts of patients with common and rare diseases established within the regional and supra-regional tertiary services at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, together with access to patients presenting acutely at the dedicated eye emergency department, underpin research activities. There is specific interest in interrogating (A) genetics and drivers of ocular inflammation and scarring, (B) biomarking, monitoring and measuring clinical and patient outcomes, and (3) translating technologies (drugs and devices) that modify biological processes and responses within ocular cells, macrophages, fibroblasts and neutrophils. We have an established infrastructure for the diffusion of innovations into the NHS.

The purpose of this post is, with the support of Dr Saaeha Rauz (clinical senior lecturer) and Dr Graham Wallace (senior lecturer ocular immunology), to enable the post holder to develop as an independent researcher in experimental ophthalmology, inflammation and fibrosis. The successful applicant will ideally have relevant experience of inflammation biology, senescence, fibrosis and / or animal models with specific direction in ocular surface and intraocular inflammation, underlying immunology, tissue degeneration, regeneration. Enabling a microenvironment by tailoring anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic factors, testing or developing new models to interrogate innovations and technologies (in vitro and in vivo) that impact upon the underlying disease processes, to promote resolution of inflammation and scar-free ocular tissue healing is fundamental to the programme of work. We intend to include inflammatory eye diseases and ocular fibrosis in our renewal bid for our NIHR BRC in Inflammation in 2021.

The post holder will be expected to create and disseminate knowledge through initiating, finding funding for and conducting original research. The post holder will be expected to disseminate knowledge through publication and through developing and delivering undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes. In addition, the post holder will contribute to the institute through management/leadership, and enterprise activities, as appropriate.

Person Specification

General

• First degree (1st or 2i) and a higher degree (PhD or equivalent qualifications) relevant to translational biomedical research with sound knowledge of immunological processes, inflammation, wound healing and scar formation.
• Extensive research experience (3 years post-doctoral minimum) and scholarship or fellowship within subject specialism
• A minimum of 4 peer review original research papers
• Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage learning/ research
• Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully

Research

• The applicant should have an understanding and experience of research methods and processes related to the study of the ocular diseases.
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
• Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity
• Experience in obtaining research funding

Teaching

• Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes
• Experience in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching, and advising colleagues
• Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity that enhances the student experience or employability
• Higher education academy qualification