The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project entitled "Automated 3D measurement of macular holes"

Macular holes (MH) are a common and blinding condition with a prevalence of up to 0.5% in the over 60-year+ age group and are bilateral in up to 10% of cases. The holes are measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners. These are medical imaging devices which provide highly detailed and magnified optical cross sections through the retina and the macular hole. The scans take seconds to perform and are pain free. Currently the widths of the holes are then measured from these scan images by clinicians using calipers in one dimension. This is a time-consuming process, subject to error and not representative of the complex 3D shape of the holes, which vary hugely from person to person. Recently, Prof David Steel and Dr Boguslaw Obara have produced a fully automated image analysis approach that can measure MH in 3D from routinely acquired preoperative OCT images.

Responsibilities :

* To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
* To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
* To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
* To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
* To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
* To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
* To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
* To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
* To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
* To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
* To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
* To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
* To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
* To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.