Clinical Researcher, Macular Research Unit

• Full time, ongoing role
• $81,000 per annum plus superannuation
• Generous NFP salary packaging options available

About the team

The Macular Research Unit (MRU) at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), led by Professor Robyn Guymer AM, is internationally recognised for its pioneering work in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in Australia and worldwide.

Our research spans early, intermediate and late stages of AMD. We seek to better understand disease mechanisms, their impact on visual function and quality of life, and to support eligibility for treatment trials. Through our Treatment Ready, Research Ready, Eye Clinic (TRRRIC), we are creating a deeply characterised participant registry to accelerate recruitment for both current and future clinical studies. Working closely with Cerulea Clinical Trials, we translate discovery into real-world impact.

The role

We are seeking a Clinical Researcher to support the delivery of AMD studies across the MRU. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking clinical research while working with an internationally recognised team.

You will play a key role in participant engagement, clinical assessments, imaging, functional testing, and data management, ensuring smooth study operations and accuracy across datasets. The role is diverse and hands-on, involving both direct participant contact and technical research support.

Key responsibilities

As part of the MRU team and working with senior investigators, you will:

• Contact and schedule AMD participants from the registry to update their clinical status for current and upcoming studies.
• Work independently in the TRRRIC clinic, or within a specific MRU study, to conduct standardised clinical protocols and ensure high-quality ophthalmic assessments (e.g. imaging and functional testing).
• Participate in informed consent discussions in compliance with ethical guidelines.
• Carry out functional testing such as microperimetry and administer questionnaires to evaluate the impact of vision loss on quality of life.
• Enter clinical visit data accurately and promptly to ensure research datasets are analysis-ready.
• Recruit, screen, schedule and follow up participants in collaboration with other clinical researchers.
• Collect and prepare human samples (blood, urine, skin – training provided) for research studies.
• Provide support in treatment clinics (as required), assisting with preparation and documentation to ensure smooth clinical procedures.
• Liaise with participants, healthcare providers, CRO staff and study sponsors to facilitate study management and gather historical data (with appropriate consent).
• Assist in compiling reports and providing accurate data to support ethics committee submissions and funding body updates.
• Learn AMD clinical classifications and develop skills in grading digital retinal images to identify disease severity and risk of progression.

Your skills and experience

Essential

• A tertiary qualification in orthoptics, optometry, ophthalmology, or a related discipline; or equivalent experience in a clinical research environment.
• Experience in ophthalmic clinical examination (e.g. as an orthoptist or optometrist).
• Proficiency in standard retinal imaging (OCT, FAF, colour fundus photography).
• Ability to follow clinical protocols precisely to ensure accurate disease feature identification and risk assessment.
• Strong attention to detail in managing clinical data and research records.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new technical skills, particularly imaging and functional testing tools.
• Proven ability to work independently while balancing multiple tasks, combined with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) to interact professionally with participants, staff and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, databases) and willingness to learn specialised research software.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a clinical research setting, particularly involving patient interaction or biological sample collection.
• Knowledge or experience in AMD.
• Understanding of clinical trial processes and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements, or willingness to complete training.
• Ability to take blood, or willingness to learn.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check.

About CERA

The Centre for Eye Research Australia is a not-for-profit and an international leader in eye research with real world impact. We are an independent Medical Research Institute closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne within the discipline of ophthalmology in the Department of Surgery, Melbourne Medical School. Our staff and students are located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and 200 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne.

To learn more about our work, please visit our website.

Employee benefits

• Family-friendly workplace with flexible working
• Supportive culture which encourages career development and fosters innovation
• Generous salary packaging options including general expenses, meals and entertainment and novated car leasing (Salary packaging allows staff to reduce the amount of tax they pay, thereby increasing their take home salary)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Leave loading of 17.5%
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Weekly fruit boxes in the office.

How to apply

Submit a current resume and cover letter that details your interest and suitability for the role.

For more information about the role, please download the position description (this hyperlink will not display on SEEK, but will be available on our Career's page when you click apply) or contact

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people with CALD backgrounds, people with a disability, people from the LGBTQIA+ community and women and gender diverse people.

If you require an adjustment to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our HR team.

Applications close 11:59pm on 24th October 2025, however if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications prior to this date we may close this ad earlier.