Our vision is to achieve world leading eye health outcomes for all.
We aim to be a global leader in primary public health eye care, providing best practice and holistic care to patients in need. We will achieve this through clinical excellence, translational clinical and public health research, education, and collaboration. Patient-centred models will underpin everything we do.
Job Description
The Research Fellow is a position within the National Vision Research Institution (NVRI), the research division of the ACO. This position will advance modern optometric eye care and public health, through collaborative, interdisciplinary research that positively impacts the health and wellbeing of the community.
The short term role, for the remainder of 2025, will involve working with staff throughout the Australian College of Optometry and ACO Eye Health, strengthening collaborative ties and increasing research capabilities and outcomes. The appointee will develop and engage in innovative collaborative research that could encompass potential areas including clinical research, public health, research translation and implementation science.
Key Responsibilities:
Guide the development of the OPTO_PREM (an Australian optometry-specific patient reported experience measurement tool).
Guide the implementation of coding of clinical conditions into the workflow of ACO Eye Health optometrists
Think independently and work collaboratively to develop competitive proposals for national and international grant schemes across research, engagement and/ or educational scholarship.
Participate in community and professional activities relevant to the discipline area, including attendance and presentations at conferences and seminar.
Effectively communicate the outcomes of collaborative work through scholarly outputs (eg. publications, sustainable reports, national and international conferences, and other outlets relevant to stakeholders).
Desired Skills and Experience
About You
You will hold a PhD, or equivalent experience, in Optometry, Vision Science and/ or Public Health. As an expert in your field, you will hold compelling evidence and the desire to positively impact optometry in the areas of research, practice and/ or education.
You will have demonstrated ability to lead an initiative that has effectively brought research and clinicians together, with the ability to establish and cultivate successful relationships with stakeholders.
Skills and Knowledge
Self-motivated and enthusiastic individual who demonstrates initiative, displaying a cooperative and supportive approach towards all stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team environment and able to build strong professional relationships at all levels.
Superior problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
Ability to prioritise tasks, determine and meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
Ability to build rapport, foster collaboration and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
Highly developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
Well developed understanding and respect of diverse communities.
Understanding and respecting the feelings, needs and cultural differences of others.
An understanding of OHS principles and risk reduction.
Essential criteria
A PhD, or equivalent experience, in Optometry, Vision Science and/or Public Health
Strong evidence of research or related achievement, relative to career stage and opportunity
Compelling evidence and desire to positively impact optometry, in the area(s) of research, practice and/or education.
Demonstrated track record in research area(s) relevant to eyecare, or equivalent engagement in clinical leadership
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others as part of a research team
Developing national research or leadership profile as evidenced by
Secured research funding;
Publication track record, with indicators of impact and quality;
Teaching and conference reputation.
Developed ability to apply robust research methodologies
Applications will close on Thursday 26 June 2025, 5pm.
The ACO reserves the right to close this advertisement early, should a suitable candidate be found.
