Academic Lead (Principal Lecturer) for Vision Sciences

University of Lancashire – Department of Vision and Audiological Sciences / School of Medicine and Dentistry

By joining the University of Lancashire, you’ll become part of a thriving community of talent that’s united by a shared vision – to transform the lives of our students and create prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Every colleague has a vital role to play in helping us achieve this vision.

About the role

The School of Medicine and Dentistry are seeking an Academic Lead (Principal Lecturer) in Vision Sciences, contributing to the continued growth of the department of Vision and Audiological Sciences.

As a member of the school’s committed and enthusiastic team, you will be instrumental in continuing to develop and delivery on the Vision and Audiological Sciences course, whilst growing the research provision within the school. You will provide academic leadership and support colleagues with their development.

The post brings a particular emphasis on quality assurance and governance to meet both internal and external body requirements, for vision and audiological sciences education, in line with School and organisational strategy.

Research in the department is clinical in nature covering; spectacle lens design, AI and technology, Optometric Education. The successful candidate will teach across all modules and an interest in glaucoma, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology and retinal imaging are welcome.

About you

You will bring experience of professional leadership, both strategic and operational, including experience of leading and managing provision in Vision and Audiological Sciences. Your track record will include successful management and implementation of governance, risk and quality assurance processes to meet internal and professional, regulatory and statutory body requirements.

You will hold a higher degree (PhD), with an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Optometry related discipline and be registered with the General Optical Council as an Optometrist.

The post requires proven interpersonal skills to work with industry, academic, clinical and management colleagues at all levels, developing strong working relationships with senior stakeholders.

What we can offer you

We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. We offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits such as;

• Hybrid working and a healthy work-life balance
• 35 days annual leave plus, bank holidays and 4 additional discretionary days off over the Christmas period
• Enrolment onto the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.68%
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme including a free 24/7 GP service
• Leadership development
• Staff networks
• Discounted sports membership

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.

How to apply

The University of Lancashire has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign. Please apply by submitting a CV of no more than four pages and a Cover Letter of no more than two pages, in Word Document format on the SearchHigher website, accessed via the apply button above.

Initial exploratory conversations will take place with the SearchHigher team, followed by a formal panel and presentation with suitable candidates, in person, on the University of Lancashire Preston site on Tuesday 9th December. For an informal discussion, please contact Jayne Borondy on j.borondy@searchhigher.com.

Interview date: Thursday 8th January 2026

Further information about the role, to shape your application, can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification here.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.