UHI is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. Based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, our distinctive partnership of 12 independent colleges and research institutions is locally based and rooted in communities, but with national and international reach, as part of a regional university structure.
To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:
Lecturer in Optometry
| Salary range | £41,360 to £43,880 per annum |
|---|---|
| Duration | Permanent Part-Time |
| Working hours | 21hrs per week |
| Location | UHI House, Inverness |
| Closing Date | Sunday 17th August 2025 |
Optometry in the Centre for Rural Health Science
Are you a GOC registered independent prescribing 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 prescribing 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.
In the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), UHI ranked 4th in Scotland, surpassing both our own benchmarks and the Scottish sector average. This achievement highlights our commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience.
Find out more here
This is a very exciting time in Optometry with the great expansion of roles and opportunities being developed to deliver eye care across the UK. This role is an opportunity to contribute both to the delivery of the undergraduate optometry programme and postgraduate curriculum and research activity within the wider Centre for Rural Health Sciences at UHI
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 (0.6FTE)
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 alison.macpherson@uhi.ac.uk
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 £41,360 to £43,880 per annum. For exceptional candidates a higher salary up to the top of the grade (currently £47,947 per annum) may be available.
This post is part time and will involve working 21 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 39 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 Sunday 17th August 2025 at 11.59pm.
Shortlisting will take place the week commencing Monday 18th August 2025
Interviews will be held by videoconferencing week commencing 25th August 2025
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 25th August 2025 .
- Job description
- Person specification
- Further information
- Terms and conditions
- Guidance notes for candidates
- Summary of terms and conditions of employment
If you have any queries about the application process please contact the HR Office at HR@uhi.ac.uk.