Clinical Fellow

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Generous annual leave

Retail discounts

Family-friendly policies

On-site gym & pool

Job summary

Aston University is seeking a Clinical Fellow to support, remote asynchronous tutoring, face-to-face teaching and assessing students across Degree Apprenticeship and Undergraduate programmes in Ophthalmic Dispensing. The role focuses on translating professional expertise into engaging teaching and fostering an evidence-based mindset.

You will collaborate with academic colleagues, establish partnerships with industry and professional bodies, and contribute to curriculum development, assessment

Qualifications

• GOC-registrant with relevant qualifications and substantial dispensing optics experience.
• Excellent knowledge of contemporary optical practice and ability to translate expertise into teaching.
• Experience in curriculum development, assessment, student supervision and supporting outcomes.
• Understanding of professional body requirements and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Carry out teaching activities within Degree Apprenticeship and Undergraduate programmes and advance scholarly capabilities.
• Actively promote the programme by building memberships and partnerships with academic, industry and professional communities.
• Collaborate with fellow academics and update colleagues and students on developments in the field.

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum development

Student assessment

Student supervision

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Equality, diversity & inclusion

Dispensing optics expertise

Education

GOC registration

Dispensing optics qualification

Ophthalmic dispensing qualification

Job description

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Grade: Grade 09

ContractType: Permanent

Basis: Part Time(0.51)

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 25 October 2026

InterviewDate: Tuesday 17 November 2026

Reference: 1473-26

ReleaseDate: Monday 28 September 2026

Aston University is developing a Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship and a BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing programme; these exciting new programmes involve the apprentice/student obtaining patient facing clinical experience in practice integrated throughout the course at all stages. This new role will principally involve supporting, remote asynchronous tutoring, face-to-face teaching, and assessing students to enable them to meet all of the GOC Outcomes for Registration and to foster an inquisitive, knowledgeable, evidence-based, professional mindset.

The Clinical Fellow will be responsible for carrying out teaching activities within Degree Apprenticeship and Undergraduate programmes and for maintaining and advancing their own and their subject’s scholarly and professional capabilities. The Clinical Fellow will actively promote the programme by establishing and maintaining memberships, links and partnerships with academic, industry and professional communities. They will be expected to work collaboratively and collegiately with fellow academics within the teaching team, and to update colleagues and students on developments in their subject area, particularly in relation to practice and professional expectations and requirements.

We are seeking an experienced GOC-registrant with relevant qualifications and substantial experience in dispensing optics and professional practice. You will have excellent knowledge of contemporary optical practice and the ability to translate professional expertise into engaging, inclusive teaching and learning. Experience of curriculum development, assessment, student supervision and supporting student outcomes is desirable, alongside an understanding of professional body requirements and quality assurance. You will demonstrate strong communication, organisation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with students, colleagues, professional bodies and external partners. A commitment to scholarship, continuing professional development, equality, diversity and inclusion is essential.

What we offer:

• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
• Great family friendly policies
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for new applicants to the Skilled Worker visa route.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]