Vision Scientist

Great Ormond Street Hospital; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's hospital in London is seeking a Vision Scientist specializing in visual electrophysiology and ophthalmic imaging. The ideal candidate will work closely with children, performing clinical tests and ensuring a supportive environment. Responsibilities include assisting with ocular imaging, maintaining clinical facilities, and contributing to pediatric care. This role offers growth in a diverse and inclusive setting, appealing to those passionate about promoting health in children with complex conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children and their families.
• Knowledge of visual electrophysiology.
• Basic understanding of the eye and visual pathway.

Responsibilities

• Support clinical visual electrodiagnostic tests on children.
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of clinical labs.
• Interact with children to explain tests.

Skills

Communication with children and families

Data input and spreadsheet usage

Teamwork in restricted environments

Physical capability to manage active children

Situational awareness

Resilience under stress

Adaptability

Education

A-level or equivalent in science subjects

BSc in Science

Job description

Job overview

Vision Scientist Speciality: Visual Electrophysiology and Ophthalmic Imaging

Ward/Department: Ophthalmology, Sight and Sound Centre Outpatients, Queen Square

We are looking for an enthusiastic Vision Scientist skilled at working with children.

We are looking for a person with experience and skills in clinical visual electrophysiology and personal qualities needed to work with children. This person will be able to work well and closely in a team and will be interested in active learning. We appreciate that you may not have extensive experience of the complex and sometimes rare paediatric patient population seen at GOSH and mentorship and support will be given, as they gain further specialised experience of these patients and the environment.

You will help the multi-professional clinical vision science team provide specialist visual electrophysiology services for children with complex conditions. They will also support ocular imaging and eye movement services when needed. These outpatient services are based in Ophthalmology.

The visual electrophysiology unit is an accredited training centre for Health Education England training programmes and offers many learning and development opportunities. You will have opportunity to contribute to, and participate in, departmental teaching, case presentations, audit and ongoing clinical research activities.

Main duties of the job

• To support and assist the Visual Electrophysiology team to directly perform clinical visual electrodiagnostic tests (EDTs) and high-quality ocular imaging on babies and children in the Ophthalmology department of GOSH in Sight and Sound.
• Assist the Clinical Scientists by maintaining tidiness and cleanliness of the clinical labs and ensuring they are stocked and ready for day of clinical activity.
• To distract and interact with children, carers and families, whilst explaining the tests in person, or supporting others in the team whilst they explain the tests.
• Measure a child’s head circumference and correctly position electrodes on the head, around and on the eye.
• To be responsible for organising specialist appointments that may require longer time, such as ISCEV retinal recordings for the medical retina transitional clinic, eye movement recordings and appointments for inpatients who have had ophthalmology consultant review.
• Liaise with ward staff and carers to ensure an inpatient is well enough to move to outpatients for the tests.
• In liaison with the Clinical Scientists ensure that the clinical facilities are fully equipped and adequate administrative processes are in place to ensure an efficient working environment.
• To be familiar and to understand the Trust’s complaint procedure.
• To support and undertake any projects/audits initiated by the Trust or Unit.

Working for our organisation

We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we’ll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.

Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women’s networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.

We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

Person specification

GOSH Culture and Values

Essential criteria

• Our Always values

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential criteria

• A-level or equivalent in science subjects

Desirable criteria

• BSc Science
• Training courses in ophthalmic imaging and/or visual electrophysiology

Experience/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Experience of working with children and their families
• Knowledge of visual electrophysiology
• Basic knowledge of the eye and visual pathway

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in hospital settings

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Ability to communicate well with and relate to children and their families and/or carers
• Abilities to input data accurately and use spreadsheets, power point and work document
• Able to work well with a team in proximity in restricted space
• Physically capable of dealing with active children and equipment
• Good situational awareness and ability to adapt communication empathically
• Resilience and the abilities to manage stressful situations and own well being
• Adaptability, in the moment