Associate Professor in Optometry and Vision Science

• Help us shape the future of vision science and optometry
• Academic Level C or D, Salary Range $138,789 pa - $187,557 pa plus 17% Super
• Full Time, Continuing Opportunity

About us:

University of Canberra's vision is that "Together we work to empower, connect and share knowledge with our people, cultures and places." UC is engrained in the local community and we aim to challenge the status quo through the pursuit of excellence in teaching, learning and research. The University of Canberra has been ranked in the top 7 universities in the world for reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings 2024).

About the role:

The Faculty of Health is currently recruiting for either an Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer in Optometry and Vision Science to join our team. Contributing to our scholarly community and reporting to the Head of Discipline, this role involves fostering excellent relationships across the Faculty, University, and industry partners.

The role can be considered as either an education focused position or education and research focused. You will contribute to an active program of educational scholarship, and coordinate and deliver units. The role will also supervise honours and masters research projects and establish connections with domestic and international stakeholders, including participation in Vision ACTion. For ER focused interests, the role will expand to conduct a program of research, including seeking funding, publishing findings and supervising PhD students.

The position will engage in curriculum development for the Bachelor and Masters course in Optometry and Vision Science, delivery in a team-based environment, enhance student experience, and provide robust student support. This is a unique opportunity to advance scholarly work in vision science and optometry and contribute to the growth of optometry.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to evidence-based teaching and development of high-quality curriculum
• Provide leadership in teaching and/or research within the Discipline and Faculty
• Promote and support excellence in disciplinary and interdisciplinary activities/scholarship
• Develop and maintain relationships with key external and professional stakeholders
• Undertake continual professional development in education innovation
• Engage in and enhance a track record of collaborative, multidisciplinary research and/or scholarly activity.

About you:

The successful candidate will have:

• PhD in optometry or a related field.
• Registration with AHPRA as an optometrist in Australia (highly desirable).[AS1]
• Endorsement to prescribe ocular therapeutic drugs in Australia (desirable).
• Experience in teaching with expertise in optometry and vision science.
• Capacity and commitment to contribute to traditional and flexible modes of academic program development and delivery, potentially including online formats.
• Demonstrated track record in research with high-quality and high-impact outcomes, including publications and grants (for ER focused consideration).

Offerings/ Benefits/ Culture:

The University offers excellent conditions and benefits such as:

• Flexible working arrangements and Family-friendly policies
• On campus gym, medical services, cafes, post office, convenience store and childcare facilities.
• Professional development offerings (study assistance, corporate programs and discounts)
• Innovative work environment with a diverse and inclusive culture
• Access to Employee Assistance Program and a corporate private Health Plan (Bupa)

University of Canberra embodies it's Values of Everyone's invites, Nurragunnawali, Change the World, Dare to be Curious and Walk together which we are proud. UC sets a goal to be the national sector leader in equity, diversity, inclusion and access via Connected – A Decadal Strategy UC encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and people from culturally diverse groups.

Pre-employment checks:

• Applicants who wish to apply for this position should have valid working rights or eligibility to obtain a work visa for Australia.
• The University of Canberra is committed to the safety of vulnerable and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to have a current ACT working with vulnerable people registration. For further details on how to apply please click 

How to apply:

Please apply with you CV and a 1-page cover letter addressing your suitability and position of interest. Please ensure you take the time to align your CV with the Position Description you wish to be considered for listed below. We want to understand how your skills and experience relate to the role you are applying to.

Position Description - Senior Lecturer in Optometry (Level C - ER)

Position Description - Senior Lecturer in Optometry (Level C - EF)

Position Description - Associate Professor in Optometry and Vision Science (Level D - ER)

Position Description - Associate Professor in Optometry and Vision Science (Level D - EF)

For job specific information: please contact – Alison Shield - Head of School - Health Sciences -

Recruitment and application questions: please contact the Talent Solutions team on or email .

Closing date: 11.55pm, Sunday 16 November 2025