MRC Uganda is hiring a Scientist B/Ophthalmologist to play a key role in delivering a large, multidisciplinary Oculomics research programme in Uganda. The project will conduct comprehensive ocular phenotyping and imaging – repeated after five years – within an existing general population cohort in Uganda. In parallel, the team will collect detailed clinical, laboratory, genotyping data spanning major systemic health domains (cardiovascular, neurological, renal, liver, musculoskeletal, mental health). These integrated datasets will be used to develop, refine and validate AI foundation models capable of analysing images from this African population for a range of systemic disease and ocular diagnostic applications. The programme will further explore cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between ocular biomarkers and key health conditions, assessing their diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value. The postholder will contribute to prospective implementation studies evaluating the use of oculomics-supported diagnostics in routine health care settings, including the performance of AI-assisted tools deployed with novel low- cost imaging devices. The post holder will have an opportunity of undertaking a PhD research fellowship registered at LSHTM as part of this research Programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Protocol Development;

• Make substantial contributions to the development of the scientific plan for this programme;
• Support the development of the standard operating procedures and logs, including the detailed analysis plan of the research;
• Support the development of the study informed consent forms; and,
• Support the development of the data collection tools;

Clinical data collection;

• Contribute to field staff team recruitment, and the training of the field team;
• Contribute to the development and pilot testing of the field processes and data collection tools;
• Co-lead the field teams in participant recruitment, sample collection and examination;
• Conduct the general clinical examinations of study participants as indicated within the protocol (these mostly relate to the cardiovascular and neurological sub-studies)
• Participate in the clinical support/care and referral of study participants, as appropriate;
• Coordinate with faculty at Makerere on remote consultation and physical patient support visits;
• Support the delivery of the research project in the field with excellent adherence to the protocol to ensure high quality data; and,
• Participate in the data review, analysis and dissemination including preparation of scientific manuscripts.

Quality Assurance;

• Conduct regular audits and quality checks to ensure adherence to SOPs and regulatory requirements;
• Prepare sites for monitoring, audits, and inspections; and,
• Implement and assess corrective actions for any identified issues or non-compliance.

Regulatory Compliance;

• Ensure all clinical trials are conducted in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, and other regulatory guidelines;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations and ensure the clinic’s
• practices adhere to them through training and other procedures; and,
• Maintain essential study documents.

Communication and reporting;

• Maintain clear and effective communication with the field team, oculomics research programme team lead and other key stakeholders; and,
• Prepare and present regular reports on study progress, operational issues, and performance metrics.

Academic contribution.

• Participate and even take lead in preparation of scientific manuscripts; and,
• Utilise the research programme data/themes to identify, develop and implement a PhD research study (funded through this research programme).

Others.

• Participate in the development and review of Department/Unit SOPs;
• Conduct monitoring of other studies conducted at the Unit;
• Participate in scientific and management meetings;
• Maintain department databases, trackers and resources;
• Support department administration;
• Drive and advocate for good research practice at the Unit;
• Collaborate and work closely with the study teams;
• Be willing to undertake local and international travels related to the research programme; and,
• Undertake any other duty assigned by their line manager within the broader remit of the post.

Line Management.

• Co-supervises the field teams and data assistants.
• Reports to Research Programme team leader.

LSHTM Integration.

• Participate positively and proactively in the process of integrating and harmonising procedures across all LSHTM sites; and,
• Participate in activities across the Unit in Uganda and Gambia, and the wider LSHTM.

Environment.

• Develop strategies to reduce adverse environmental impact of the Research Governance department.
• Participate in carbon emission reduction activities across the Unit and wider LSHTM; and,
• Act as an advocate for the responsible and efficient use of resources.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery;
• Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology;
• Full registration with the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council and a valid annual practicing license;
• Should possess a certificate in Good Clinical Practice;
• Should possess experience in clinical ophthalmology;
• Should possess research experience in clinical or epidemiological studies;
• Experience training and supervising junior staff;
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams;
• Experience with imaging technologies (OCT, fundus imaging and In VIVO confocal Microscopy);
• Experience performing audits or QA activities;
• Ocular phenotyping & imaging techniques;
• Clinical examination skills (general medicine + ophthalmology);
• Good Clinical Practice and Research Ethics;
• Understanding of AI applications in healthcare;
• Data collection and documentation skills;
• Protocol development and writing skills;
• Statistical literacy / ability to interpret study data;
• Communication and reporting skills;
• Team leadership & supervision;
• Integrity & ethical conduct;
• Attention to detail;
• Adaptability & problem-solving ability;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Team-oriented and collaborative;
• Scientific curiosity & desire for academic growth;
• Resilience & ability to work under pressure;
• Willingness to work in the community; and,
• Willingness to travel.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications online:

Complete all sections in the online form

Click Here

Upload your curriculum vitae of maximum 4 pages in the designated area on the form. This CV should be uploaded in Word or PDF format.

Submit your 500 words motivation statement in the designated area in the form. In this statement, please explain why you would like to participate in this project, why you think you are the right person for this, and how you think participating in this project will benefit you and your community.

Deadline: 22nd January 2026