Ophthalmic Image Grading Specialist

Ophthalmic Image Grading Specialist I - Summary.

 

The Doheny Image Reading Center (DIRC) of the Doheny Eye Institute is a medical research laboratory that receives and analyzes ophthalmic images in support of ophthalmology clinical trials.  Imaging of the eye is conducted by clinical sites worldwide and images are transmitted in digital format to the DIRC, where they are reviewed for ocular pathology and other features. The DIRC is under contract with a number of companies conducting ophthalmology clinical trials, and interacts with a large number of clinical investigator sites around the world.  Our facility is located in Los Angeles, California on the USC Health Sciences Campus.

 

The DIRC is seeking someone to evaluate digital ophthalmic images on a computer screen, and identify/characterize ocular features and pathologies, in support of medical research.  Full training will be provided to the right individual.  This is largely an entry-level position, perfect for someone with an interest in medical research, a strong technical aptitude, and willingness to learn and grow.  We prefer an individual with some research experience, but experience is not as important as potential and attitude.  The individual must be flexible and willing to support a variety of research projects and operational tasks in addition to the core image assessment function.  The individual must successfully complete the internal Image Grader Training program.  He/she will learn, understand and adhere to all internal Standard Operating Procedures and protocols in the performance of job duties.  He /she will be expected to contribute to quality improvement efforts by substantially assisting with revisions to grading and imaging protocols, as assigned.

 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is interested in medical research and is looking for a stable, challenging role in a great environment.  Full training will be provided to the right individual to perform ophthalmic image assessments and participate substantially in the research process.

 

Doheny Eye Institute offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision and retirement.

 JOB DESCRIPTION

 

POSITION TITLE:  DEPARTMENT NAME: 
  Ophthalmic Image Grading Specialist I  Doheny Retina Institute (DRI)


REPORTS TO:  EXEMPTION STATUS: N6 
 Manager of Operations, Doheny Image Reading Center  

 

ORGANIZATION:

  Doheny Eye Institute (DEI)

 

JOB SUMMARY (Brief statement summarizing main functions and purpose of the job):

Serves as Junior Grader on DIRC projects.  Evaluates digital ophthalmic images on a computer screen and identifies/characterizes ophthalmic features and pathologies in support of medical research activities.  Successfully completes DIRC?s Grader Training program.  Understands and adheres to all Standard Operating Procedures and protocols in the performance of job duties.  Contributes to quality improvement efforts by substantially assisting with revisions to grading and imaging protocols as assigned.  Also performs miscellaneous tasks in support of DIRC studies and operations.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (List major functions in order of responsibility):

1. Successfully completes DIRC?s in-house Grader Training program and achieves certification.  Maintains up to date knowledge of current grading protocols, and best grading practices as defined by the Principal Investigator.  Learns DIRC proprietary grading software programs and successfully operates them in the conduct of grading activities.  (Percent of time:  15%)

2. Serves as junior grader on DIRC projects (Percent of time:  55%):

a. Checks workload daily and prioritizes cases according to the DIRC Standard Operating Procedures.

b. Completes cases in a timely manner to ensure turnaround times are met.

c. Adheres to the DIRC SOP in the process of grading, routing of cases, and adjudication.

d. Learns, understands and consistently follows DIRC grading protocols for fluorescein angiography (FA), color photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

e. Generates reproducible grading answers as measured by the DIRC QA re-grading process.

f.  Notifies Project Manager or PI of any grading protocol deviations.  Immediately reports all Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) to the Operations Manager and/or PI. 

g. Reviews grading materials prepared by the Project Manager/Study Coordinator and returns materials for resolution as needed.

h. Adheres to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) documentation procedures in the recording of study data.  Exhibits a low (<2%) error rate in transcription and all manner of data recording.

i. Contributes to the improvement of grading software programs by suggesting changes to improve quality and efficiency.

3.  Participates in study coordination activities, including processing (receiving, verifiying and logging) imaging materials received at the DIRC; monitoring the flow of materials through the grading process; data reporting (fax/mail/web data entry, as needed); and resolving problems / special situations with clinical sites.  (Percent of time:  20%)

4.  Under the supervision of the PI, senior grader, and/or Operations Manager, substantially assists in the revision / updating of grading protocols for the DIRC.  May assist in the revision / updating of image capture protocols.  May interact with clinical sites to instruct in proper image sequence, formats, quality, etc.  (Percent of time:  10%)

5.  Maintains an up to date training record within the DIRC (current CV, grader training certificates, Documentation of Understanding for specific studies, etc., in accordance with the DIRC SOP)  (Percent of time:  Ongoing)

6.  Other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager or PI.  May include both project support tasks and general operations support.  (Percent of time:  Ongoing)

7. Understands and consistently follows the general DIRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).  Notifies the Operations Manager or PI of any known deviations from the SOP.  (Percent of time:  Ongoing)

8. Perform all tasks in a safe manner in compliance with company safety policies and according to applicable regulations; maintains a neat workstation and environment. (Percent of time:  Ongoing)

9. Display courtesy and consideration to patients, guests, physicians and staff.  (Percent of time:  Ongoing)

10. Maintain confidentiality of all records and information that pertains to patients, physicians, employees, the organization and in related interests.  (Percent of time:  Ongoing)

11. Perform special projects or other related work as required or requested.  (Percent of time:  Ongoing)

11.SUPERVISION:

 

Functions under general supervision of the DIRC Operations Manager.

 

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE, TRAINING (including Licenses and Professional Activities):

EducationHigh School diploma required Bachelor?s Degree strongly preferred

 

Experience:

o  2-3 years of progressively responsible work experience, preferably in a research or medical setting.

o  Interest in medical research a must.

o  Knowledge of clinical trials helpful, such as completion of a Clinical Research Associate training course or relevant work experience.

o  Interest or experience in photography or the visual arts a plus.


Abilities and Characteristics:

o  Able to perform visually-intensive work on a computer monitor for long stretches.

o  Strong familiarity with using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and an image editing program such as MS Paint or MS Imaging

o  Critical thinking skills.

o  Excellent organizational skills.  Ability to prioritize and juggle simultaneous projects.

o  Very strong attention to detail.

o  Ability to learn ophthalmic concepts and apply them in image interpretation.

o  Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.  Able to write draft-quality procedure documents and final draft-quality correspondence. Good listening skills.  Ability to relate information clearly, i.e., instructions, directions, etc.

o  Resourceful?ability to identify and use available resources to accomplish tasks quickly and with little or no supervision.