Job Description

The Optometry Programme, within the School of Health Professions at the University of Plymouth is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our group and be part of our teaching and research activities.

About the role

You will work as part of the Optometry team to provide innovative teaching, primarily on undergraduate programmes. This includes the design and preparation of teaching materials, course planning and delivery, and assessment. We are proud to be ranked one of the top programmes in the most recent National Student Survey. Experience of clinical practice as an Optometrist, and registration with the General Optical Council are highly desirable. As part of our Eye & Vision research group you will have the opportunity to contribute to our research programme and to publications and grant funding applications if applicable.



This is a fixed-term post to cover a period of maternity leave, which is anticipated to be for approximately 12 months. Full-time and part-time applications are welcomed.



For more information on School of Health Professions please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools



For this role, you will need to be on site 2 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

This vacancy will involve working with children and/or vulnerable adults and any appointment will be subject to receipt of clearance for the Protection of Children from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Claire Gorman: by email at claire.gorman@plymouth.ac.uk

What we're looking for

You must currently be registered with the following registration board: General Optical Council (GOC)



For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.



The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you'll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today's global challenges.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.



Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date:

Thursday 15 January 2026

Our Offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.



When joining us, you will receive:

Generous annual leave

: 35 Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time)

plus

Bank Holidays & Closure Days
Generous pension scheme Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme Employee Assistance Programme Development opportunities Enhanced family leave Flexible working Retailer discounts On-site nursery

Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract*



A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.