Academic Lead; Principal Lecturer Vision Sciences

Academic Lead (Principal Lecturer) for Vision Sciences About the role

The School of Medicine and Dentistry is seeking an Academic Lead (Principal Lecturer) for 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 deliver the Vision and Audiological Sciences course while 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.

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.

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
• 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.

The University of Lancashire has appointed Search Higher 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 using the form on the Search Higher website linked via the Apply button. Initial exploratory conversations will take place with the Search Higher team, followed by a formal panel and presentation with suitable candidates, in person, on the University of Lancashire Preston site on Thursday 8th January 2026
. For an informal discussion, please contact Jayne Borondy on

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.