Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer in Vision Sciences

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Applicants are asked to confirm in a cover letter which role(s) they wish to be considered for as part of the application process

Glasgow Caledonian University - the University for the Common Good - is a vibrant, values-led, multi-cultural, civic University with a global outlook and strong commitment to delivering social innovation and sustainable development in its education and research.  

Our organisational strategy is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and our globally recognised researchers advise governments, industry and international bodies. We’re ranked fourth in the world and first in the UK for promoting gender equality, in the top 70 universities globally for social impact, and first in Scotland for health and wellbeing, and reduced inequalities, for which we are also ranked 21^st in the world (THE Impact Rankings, 2022). In 2020-21, we contributed £1.7 billion and more than 14,000 jobs across the globe (BIGGAR Economics, 2022). 

GCU is committed to widening participation, and delivering positive outcomes for our students. We are Scotland’s leading provider of Graduate Apprenticeships. With campuses in Glasgow, London and New York, we have transnational partnerships around the world, supporting more than 22,000 students from 130 countries. Guided by our values – integrity, responsibility, creativity and confidence - we transform the lives of the people and communities we serve. 

The Department of Vision Sciences is one of eight departments located within the School of Health & Life Sciences.  The School is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, applied research and knowledge transfer.  The Department of Vision Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes, including BSc(Hons) Optometry, BSc(Hons) Orthoptics and BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing Management.  Being the only University in the UK where these programmes co-exists allows us a unique shared teaching approach and inter-professional training of eye care professions.  Our teaching is underpinned by research, is evidence based and incorporates a wide range of practical and clinical experiences.  Providing an outstanding student experience where each individual can flourish is central to the Department’s philosophy.  The Department has been innovative in integrating therapeutic patient management into the programme syllabus in anticipation of an advancing role that eye care professions will play in providing outstanding clinical care to patients.  Our programmes were ranked first in the UK in the Complete University Guide (Optometry, Ophthalmology & Orthoptics Tables 2019). 

At post-graduate level, the Department of Vision Sciences offers an MSc in Investigative Ophthalmology & Vision Research as well as a range of tailored Continuing Professional Development courses, including ‘Independent Prescribing’, which trains practitioners to prescribe medications for the treatment of eye conditions.  This is the largest such programme in the UK with more than 1500 registered students.  In addition to its teaching successes, the Department has an active and diverse portfolio of research activities and a large cohort of research students.

We are now seeking applications for an open ended position at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level.  The position is full-time but we welcome applications from individuals who are interested in a part-time appointment.

The overarching purpose of the role is to enhance the Department’s national and international reputation as one of the most innovative provider of training for eye-care professions underpinned by impactful research.  The successful candidate will inspire learning and contribute to the delivery of an outstanding student experience.  The main role will be the delivery of teaching and supervision of Orthoptics students across academic and clinical activities, but is also expected to contribute to the teaching of Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing students.

The candidate will play a key role in enhancing the student experience by developing and applying innovative teaching techniques, including on-line delivery.  Part of the responsibilities will be to contribute to the continuous improvement of the Department’s programmes, ensuring that the curricula are underpinned by research and clinical evidence and remain aligned with professional developments and anticipate future directions.  The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in professional, clinical and/or specialist research and support the Department’s research strategy.

The successful candidate will hold a BSc (Hons) Optometry/Orthoptics or equivalent, a relevant professional registration, have excellent communication and inter-personal skills and is capable of working independently within a wider team.   A post-graduate qualification, either in the form of a PhD or an exemption in therapeutic drug use is essential for appointment at Senior level and desirable at Lecturer level.  Individuals with strong clinical experience in either Optometry or Orthoptics coupled with the desire to promote clinical teaching and an interest in clinical research are encouraged to apply. 

Experience in teaching at under-graduate and/or post-graduate level is essential at Senior Lecturer level and desirable at Lecturer level.  The successful applicant is expected to play a central role in delivering teaching to Orthoptics students and the ability to (Lecturer) or experience with (Senior Lecturer) teaching core and advanced skills across the years is essential to the role. To be considered for appointment at Senior Lecturer level, a candidate needs to either have experience in leadership of a University module or programme or a strong research background in Vision Sciences, evidenced by a track record of high-quality research outputs and income generation. 

As the role involve Regulated work with Adults and/or Children the successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership.

If you wish to know more about this role or for an informal discussion please feel free to contact Prof Gunter Loffler, Head of Department, at g.loffler@gcu.ac.uk.

As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as our values in everything that we do.  As such, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who demonstrate the GCU Values.

Glasgow Caledonian University is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process that is free from bias so that we can attract and retain a high performing workforce which makes a critical contribution to our success​.

The University holds the prestigious Athena SWAN Silver institution award, which recognises our significant record of activity and achievement in promoting gender equality across different disciplines.

As a Disability Confident 'Committed' employer, we are striving to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to disabled people. Although the Disability Confident 'Committed' level does not guarantee an interview for disabled applicants, we will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants during the recruitment process.

The University also holds the Carer Positive ‘Engaged’ employer award, which recognises our commitment to supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

Glasgow Caledonian University are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

The University offers a range of benefits including opportunities for professional development, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme and onsite childcare facilities.

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the respective salary scale (unless by exception).