PRR Project

Summary

Associate Professor in Ophthalmology at FMUP, to be integrated into RISE-Health, expected to perform the following tasks: teaching/pedagogic and research in the field of Ophthalmology and Clinical Research. Additionally, the employee is expected to be involved in management and knowledge transfer roles. Leadership and teamwork skills are mandatory.The prospective employee is expected to apply for competitive funding and conduct clinically relevant research in the field of Ophthalmology, with a particular focus on glaucoma. The candidate should have experience in imaging and surgical studies within this field, with a particular focus on studies using new technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Moreover, prior work and knowledge in omics and basic research are needed, with a special focus on providing risk profiling and translating basic research knowledge into clinical practice. Furthermore, prior work in the development and/or enhancement of health-related quality-of-care indicators is highly recommended. Finally, it is recommended that the candidate has experience in studies that focus on the concept of “the eye as a window to the body”, mainly related to systemic cardiovascular research.The candidate must have experience and training in clinical research and a track record of publications in top-tier journals in Ophthalmology and Glaucoma. The candidate is expected to be able to work within a multidisciplinary team and must have experience in working with researchers and experts from other non-medical fields and disciplines, especially Engineering and/or Biotechnology.The prospective employee is expected to undertake teaching roles in Ophthalmology (Clinical Medicine) and Clinical Research for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Teaching would encompass lectures, seminars, and practical sessions at the clinic and in the operating room. Moreover, the candidate should be able to supervise MSc and PhD students.The candidate should be able to independently organize teaching programs in clinical research for participants from outside FMUP’s boundaries, thus expanding the reach of the knowledge transfer domain. The candidate is also expected to collaborate with FMUP in outreach activities in high schools and FMUP’s open day.The candidate is expected to work regularly in Ophthalmology clinical practice, with a focus on glaucoma.Finally, a strong involvement in scientific societies within the field of glaucoma and/or clinical research will be highly valued, especially if the candidate has had leadership roles in such societies. Scientific Profile:The candidate for this position must possess the following qualifications and attributes:PhD degree in Clinical ResearchExperience in Clinical Research, with specific training in the field. The ability to conduct independent research, including study design and implementation, data analysis and interpretation. Excellent scientific writing skills are mandatory.Have clinical and surgical expertise in the field of Ophthalmology, mainly focused on glaucoma.Have a strong publication record in the field of Ophthalmology and Glaucoma, with an h index of at least 15 (Web of Science) in the last 5 years. Have experience as an editorial board member of a relevant journal in the field.Have publications with a focus on the use of big data and artificial intelligence tools in health, the concept of the “eye as a window to the body” and omics research in Ophthalmology.Have experience in applying for competitive funding in national and international grantsBe proficient in the communication of research, having given at least 10 invited oral communications at congresses or other scientific events. Experience in science communication for lay people is highly recommended.Experience in working abroad in clinical research will be highly valuedExcellent English language skills Rationale:The rationale for hiring an Associate Professor in Ophthalmology consists of several aspects. There is currently one tenure-track Professor of Ophthalmology at FMUP, dedicated to the area of the retina. Since the major causes of blindness are related to the retina and glaucoma, accepting a new tenure track position in the field of glaucoma would be complimentary, covering all the major causes of blindness and visual impairment. Furthermore, it would be relevant to have a medical doctor with proven experience in collaborating in studies that use big data and artificial intelligence, with the ability to transfer knowledge. Finally, since glaucoma is the number one cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, having experience in working alongside researchers from Public Health is extremely important, in order to prepare Health systems for the upcoming surge of patients, by studying and improving quality of care metrics.