Head, Optometry & Vision Sciences

UOM University of Melbourne; Parkville; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Career development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for the position of Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences. You will lead strategic, governance, and operational functions within the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, overseeing the Doctor of Optometry program and key clinical training partnerships.

We seek a PhD holder with a proven record in academic leadership, grant success, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD or equivalent research higher degree in a field related to Optometry and Vision Sciences.
• Recognised as an eminent national or international authority with a sustained record of competitive research grant success.
• Strong track record of academic leadership, financial governance, and strategic decision-making in complex environments.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading accredited clinical education programs, health service partnerships, or organisational change is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide overarching strategic, operational, and financial leadership to ensure departmental priorities align with School and Faculty goals.
• Oversee the quality, accreditation, and renewal of the Doctor of Optometry program and clinical training pathways.
• Drive departmental research strategy and support interdisciplinary research and early-to-mid-career development.
• Lead people management, talent recruitment, workload allocation, and performance culture.
• Lead partnerships with Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and external clinical, regulatory, and industry stakeholders.
• Serve as a core member of the Melbourne School of Health Sciences Executive Committee and contribute to governance and policy.

Skills

Academic leadership

Financial governance

Strategic decision-making

Communication skills

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Role type: Full-Time, Fixed term for 3 years

Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department: Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences

Salary: Level D / Level E plus 17% super

Provide strategic and operational leadership / drive academic quality, research capability, and curriculum renewal in Optometry and Vision Sciences / lead clinical training partnerships and professional governance

The University of Melbourne

Your next career opportunity

In this high-profile academic leadership role, you will provide strategic, academic, and operational governance for the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences within the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. Reporting to the Head of School, you will lead departmental strategy, financial stewardship, workforce planning, and research directions while overseeing the Doctor of Optometry program and championing partnerships with Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and key industry bodies.

What you will deliver:

• Provide overarching strategic, operational, and financial leadership to ensure departmental priorities align with School and Faculty goals.
• Oversee the quality, accreditation, and ongoing renewal of the Doctor of Optometry program and clinical training pathways.
• Drive departmental research strategy, supporting interdisciplinary research, competitive grant success, and early-to-mid-career academic development.
• Lead people management, talent recruitment, academic career development, workload allocation, and performance culture.
• Lead key health service partnerships, including collaboration with Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and external clinical, regulatory, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a core member of the MSHS Executive Committee and contribute to University-level governance, policy development, and committee stewardship.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent research higher degree in a field related to Optometry and Vision Sciences.
• Are recognized as an eminent national or international authority in your discipline with a sustained record of competitive research grant success.
• Bring a strong track record of academic leadership, financial governance, and strategic decision-making in complex environments.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse academic, clinical, government, and industry stakeholders.
• Exhibit evidence of ethical leadership, fair staff management, and a commitment to fostering a safe, high-performing, and inclusive culture.
• (Experience leading accredited clinical education programs, health service partnerships, or organisational change is highly desirable).

You must have current valid work rights for Australia.

A Working with Children Check is required for all positions.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs and learning platforms
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team

You will join the Melbourne School of Health Sciences as Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences—an internationally recognized research and teaching department delivering the graduate-entry Doctor of Optometry program. Working alongside high-performing academic and professional staff, you will lead an inter-professional, collaborative environment with state-of-the-art shared facilities, strong clinical partnerships, and a dedicated graduate research community.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb. We’re committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

Contact

For queries related to this specific position, contact Professor Bruce Thompson by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone]. For questions related to our recruitment process email [e-mail]. For recruitment adjustments contact [e-mail].

Applications close

Sunday 1 November 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.