Lecturer in Optometry

UHI partnership; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

39 days annual leave (pro rata)

Flexible working options

Cycle to work scheme

Pension (USS)

Discounts across retailers

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

UHI, the United Kingdom's leading integrated university, invites applications for a Lecturer in Optometry based at the Inverness campus. You will join the Optometry team teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The role offers up to 1.0 FTE with job share considered, a salary range of £43,243 to £45,877 pro-rata (top £50,129 pro-rata for exceptional candidates), and a range of benefits including 39 days leave, flexible working, and an USS pension.

Qualifications

• GOC registered optometrist required.
• Experience in university teaching or lecturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver curriculum at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in optometry.
• Utilise innovative teaching methods to support students.

Skills

GOC registered optometrist

Lecturing/Teaching

Student-focused

Job description

UHI is the United Kingdom's leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. We are more than a college and more than a traditional university: a diverse, flexible partnership, rooted in our communities and driven by their needs. Our network of colleges, specialist teaching centres and internationally recognised research institutes delivers supported, flexible learning from access level to PhD.

To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:

Lecturer in Optometry

Salary range

Salary range £43,243 to £45,877 per annum, pro-rata

Duration

Duration Permanent

Working hours

Working hours Up to 1.0FTE, job share considered, Mon - Fri

Location

Closing Date

Closing Date 04 October 2026

Optometry in the Centre for Rural Health Science

Are you a GOC registered optometrist looking for a rewarding new challenge?Do you want to help shape the future of optometry and inspire the next generation of professionals? If so, UHI has an exciting opportunity for you to join our dedicated and supportive team.

About the Role

We are seeking an engaging and supportive optometrist to join our optometry lecturing team, based at our state-of-the-art Optometry Campus at UHI House in Inverness, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. You'll be working alongside a committed team of professionals who put students at the centre of everything they do — a dedication that has been reflected in our exceptional student satisfaction results.

We were proud to rank among Scotland's top five universities for student satisfaction in the 2026 National Student Survey. This achievement highlights our commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience.

Why Join UHI?
We understand that work-life balance is important. That is why we offer:

• 39 days annual leave (pro rata), giving you plenty of time to rest, recharge, or explore.
• Flexible working options, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• A cycle to work scheme and numerous discounts across a broad range of retailers.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, available to both you and family members living in your household.
• The chance to live and work in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland, with Inverness as your base — surrounded by stunning landscapes, including forests, hills, lochs, and beaches, perfect for weekend adventures.

State-of-the-Art Facilities
You'll be teaching within modern, purpose-built facilities designed to provide an optimal learning and teaching environment, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to deliver an excellent educational experience.

Lecturer in Optometry (Up to 1.0FTE, job share considered)

The post holder will contribute to the development and delivery of a variety of curriculum at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, both theoretical and practical. Utilising innovative teaching methods, to support students on their academic journey, you will become part of a passionate team which has excellence in shaping the education of emerging professionals at its core.

A detailed job description and person specification for the post are attached.

Applicants with informal questions are encouraged to contact Alison MacPherson, Head of Optometry, by email to [e-mail]

Pay and Benefits

This role is linked to grade seven on the UHI payscale.

The starting salary for this position will normally be in the range £43,243 to £45,877 per annum pro-rata. For exceptional candidates a higher salary up to the top of the grade (currently £50,129 per annum) pro-rata may be available.

This post is full time (job share considered) and will involve working up to 35 hours per week on a working pattern as agreed with your line manager.

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme check, so please let us know if you are currently a PVG scheme member.

The workplace pension scheme we provide to workers at grade six and above is the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). This is a qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds the government’s standards. Full information on the scheme can be found at http://www.uss.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx ]

Full-time posts carry a total of 42 days leave per annum (pro rata for part-time posts). It is practice that, with the exception of a Christmas and New Year closure, leave may be taken at any time of year, subject to the requirements of the post and department and with the permission of your line manager.

The deadline for submitting your application is 04 October 2026 at 11.59pm.

Shortlisting will take place the week 05 October 2026

If you have any queries regarding our recruitment and selection process, or if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments to either the recruitment process or the prospective job, please contact the HR team as soon as possible.

Interviews will be held week commencing 12 October 2026.

At UHI, we offer a supportive, flexible and rewarding place to work, with a range of benefits including:

• 42 days' annual leave (pro rata)
• Attractive pension scheme and options for additional contributions
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies
• Occupational sick pay and an Employee Assistance Programme (incl. spousal support)
• High-street and online retail discounts
• 10% off Highlife Highland memberships
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Contribution towards DSE prescription glasses
• Free parking and EV charging (where available)
• LinkedIn Learning access for ongoing professional development
• Long-service awards and active social events

If you have any queries about the application process please contact the HR Office at [e-mail] .