Clinical & Research Fellow in Medical Retina

Clinical & Research Fellow in Medical Retina

Start Date: January 2026

Duration: 1-year fixed-term appointment (extendable annually up to 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress)

Location: Central London

Hours: 45 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 09:00-18:00, including a 1-hour lunch break)

Salary: £55,000-£65,000 per annum, depending on experience

Reports to: Senior Consultant and Clinic Manager

Overview

We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Clinical & Research Fellow in Medical Retina to join the world-class ophthalmic clinic for a one-year, fully paid fellowship, starting in January 2026.

This is an exceptional opportunity to gain advanced clinical and research experience under the supervision of experienced senior ophthalmologists. The fellowship combines hands-on translational research with direct clinical exposure, offering access to cutting-edge imaging technologies and participation in pioneering gene therapy clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical and Imaging Work

• Participate in clinics and assist in examining and testing patients using the most innovative imaging and diagnostic technologies, including:
• Ultra-widefield multi-wavelength imaging
• Navigated peripheral OCT
• Ultra-widefield single-scan OCT angiography
• Adaptive optics
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to retinal imaging
• Mitochondrial imaging
• Microperimetry
• Opto-electro-retinography and electrophysiology
• Assist in clinical trials involving gene therapy and other cutting-edge treatments.
• Conduct ophthalmic examinations and perform intravitreal injections under supervision.
• Provide patient care in both clinical trial and private clinic settings.

Research

• Participate in multiple funded translational research projects in the following and related areas:
• Laser tissue interaction and subthreshold laser delivery systems
• Intravitreal pharmacotherapy for Diabetic Macular Oedema
• Advanced vitreoretinal and choroidal imaging (Wide-Field, OCT, OCTA, En Face OCT)
• Gene therapy and anti-complement intravitreal therapy in Advanced Dry AMD
• Imaging of the vitreous, peripheral retina, and vitreoretinal interface
• AI-assisted image analysis and data interpretation
• Contribute to study documentation, data management, and regulatory submissions in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Draft research reports, manuscripts, and scientific presentations.
• Present findings at national and international ophthalmic conferences.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent)
• Minimum of 1 year full-time postgraduate ophthalmology training
• Prior experience with laser procedures
• Strong data analysis, research, and presentation skills
• Ability to prepare PowerPoint presentations, conduct literature searches, and draft scientific publications

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities
• Ability to prioritise effectively and perform under pressure
• Commitment to professional development and self-directed learning
• Willingness to work flexibly and occasionally outside standard hours
• Compassionate and calm approach to patient care

Additional Information

• English Language Requirement: Candidates from outside the UK must have passed either the IELTS or OET to a level that meets eligibility for a temporary GMC licence.
• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is available for eligible international applicants.
• Surgical Component: There is no surgical work included in this fellowship; however, there may be an opportunity to add a surgical component in the second year for fellows who extend their appointment.
• Professional Development: Fellows will be encouraged to attend external and internal training sessions, conferences, and to engage actively in personal and professional growth.