We have recently received funding from the UK College of Optometrists for a qualified optometrist to undertake a PhD investigating the applicability of microperimetry and novel psychophysical techniques in people with nystagmus, in order to gain a better understanding of the effects of nystagmus on visual function across the retina. The student will be based in Cardiff in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences’ Research Unit for Nystagmus. Previous research experience is not required, but applicants are expected to be able to evidence good creative and analytical skills, and be motivated to undertake curiosity-driven research.



• Closing date for applications: 29th July 2016

• Position fully funded for three years, from October 2016 (ideally, but candidates may be able to start in January 2017). We that clinicians may need to give plenty of notice to leave their existing job, and therefore are able to negotiate the start

• Funding will cover PhD fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual tax-free stipend of £14,296 p.a., subject to satisfactory annual n

• Project supervised by Dr Matt Dunn, Dr Jennifer Acton and Prof. Jon Erichsen

• An independent advisor will also be allocated

• Applicants must be members of the College of Optometrists at the time of beginning the PhD

• This is a clinical PhD, and does not involve working with animals or human tissue

• Cardiff University provides doctoral training in a number of research areas, including statistics and computer programming. PhD students are eligible to attend unlimited numbers of these courses for free: http://ugc.subsite.cf.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/University_Graduate_College_Programme_2015-2016.pdf



The Project

Project title: Retinal predictors of visual performance in infantile nystagmus

Nystagmus is a constant involuntary oscillation of the eyes, of unknown cause and currently untreatable. In order to progress towards the development of appropriate treatments, it is essential to improve our understanding of the cause of nystagmus. We aim to achieve this by examining the relationship between eye movement properties, perceptual measures of visual function, and observable retinal characteristics. We also hope to provide greater general insight into whether and how abnormal visual input affects retinal development.



The student will use techniques such as microperimetry and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and will design, program and conduct psychophysical tests on patients with nystagmus.



For full details of the proposed project, please get in touch (details below). As with any PhD project, creative thinking is encouraged, and there will be flexibility within the project for the successful applicant to contribute to the design of the proposed study, as well as to explore other (related) areas of interest.



Eligibility

Candidates must hold a BSc (2:1 or better) in Optometry. The student must be a fully qualified optometrist and is expected to be (or become) a Member of the College of Optometrists at the time of starting the PhD.



Prior experience with programming is highly desirable, but not essential (training will be provided). An enthusiasm for a creative approach to data analysis is essential.



The research environment

The research group is based at the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, Cardiff University was the highest ranked University within Wales, and 5th overall in the UK, based on research quality. Eighty-seven percent of research at the university was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. The School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/optometry-vision-sciences) was ranked joint 4th of 94 submissions, and 2nd for Research Impact power in its unit of assessment. Of the UK schools of optometry in the REF, Cardiff School of Optometry and Vision Sciences was ranked the highest. In 2007, the School expanded into a new £21million state-of-the-art teaching and research facility, the result of the largest single investment in eye care anywhere in the UK. Owing to many previously funded high-profile research projects, the School has acquired exceptional clinical and research equipment that is available to both clinical personnel and researchers. The School houses many fully-equipped bespoke clinical testing areas, most notably the Cardiff University Eye Clinic and the newly-opened Clinical Education and Research Facility (CERF).



Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group top 24 UK research-led universities.



About Cardiff

Cardiff is a vibrant city, with national parks and beautiful coastline approximately 30 mins away. There are excellent rail links to London (approx. 2 hrs), Manchester (approx. 3 hrs 30 mins), Birmingham (approx. 2 hrs), north and west Wales, and south west England. The nearest airports are Cardiff and Bristol, but there are also direct public transport links to London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. More information about Cardiff and the surrounding area is available here:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/campus-life/cardiff-and-wales

http://www.visitcardiff.com/

http://www.visitwales.com/explore/south-wales



How to apply

To apply for this studentship, please visit the Cardiff University Online Application System (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/how-to-apply/online-application-service). Consideration is automatic on applying for ‘Optometry and Vision Sciences (Research) -> Doctor of Philosophy, Vision Science (October Start, Full-time, 01-Oct-2016). Please state the project title and supervisors’ names in the application.



Please email a CV (including the names and contact details of two referees) and covering letter outlining your interest in the project separately to Dr Matt J Dunn ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>), stating the title of the PhD studentship for which you are applying.



Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Matt J Dunn (Email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Tel: + 44 (0)29 2087 0576)



Cardiff University reserves the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.



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