Lecturer in Optometry

UHI Centre for History; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

42 days annual leave pro rata

Flexible working options

Pension scheme USS

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

University of the Highlands and Islands invites applications for a Lecturer in Optometry based at UHI House, Inverness. You will join the optometry lecturing team, delivering undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum using innovative teaching methods.

You should be a GOC registered optometrist; the post offers 1.0 FTE (job share considered), a salary of £43,243 to £45,877 pro rata, and excellent benefits including generous annual leave and USS pension.

Qualifications

• GOC registered optometrist required.
• Experience in lecturing or teaching desirable.
• Willingness to work up to 1.0FTE, job share considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate optometry curriculum, both theoretical and practical.
• Utilise innovative teaching methods to support student learning.
• Contribute to student satisfaction and educational excellence.

Skills

GOC registered optometrist

Education

GOC registered optometrist

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 £43,243 to £45,877 per annum, pro-rata Duration Permanent Working hours Up to 1.0FTE, job share considered, Mon - Fri Location UHI House, Inverness 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’s 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.

Recruitment Process

When completing the application form please ensure that you clearly evidence how you meet the selection criteria identified on the relevant person specification.

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

• Job description
• Person specification
• Further information
• Terms and conditions
• Guidance notes for candidates
• Summary of terms and conditions of employment

UHI Employee Benefits

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].