Role type: Full-Time, Fixed term for 3 years

Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Department: Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences

Salary: Level D / Level E plus 17% super

- Provide strategic and operational leadership / drive academic quality, research capability, and curriculum renewal in Optometry and Vision Sciences / lead clinical training partnerships and professional governance

- Apply now to lead a premier academic department, shape the Doctor of Optometry program, and champion clinical and basic research excellence.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

In this high-profile academic leadership role, you will provide strategic, academic, and operational governance for the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences within the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. Reporting to the Head of School, you will lead departmental strategy, financial stewardship, workforce planning, and research directions while overseeing the Doctor of Optometry program and championing partnerships with Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and key industry bodies.

What you will deliver:

- Provide overarching strategic, operational, and financial leadership to ensure departmental priorities align with School and Faculty goals.
- Oversee the quality, accreditation, and ongoing renewal of the Doctor of Optometry program and clinical training pathways.
- Drive departmental research strategy, supporting interdisciplinary research, competitive grant success, and early-to-mid-career academic development.
- Lead people management, talent recruitment, academic career development, workload allocation, and performance culture.
- Lead key health service partnerships, including collaboration with Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and external clinical, regulatory, and community stakeholders.
- Serve as a core member of the MSHS Executive Committee and contribute to University-level governance, policy development, and committee stewardship.

You may be a great fit if you:





- Hold a PhD or equivalent research higher degree in a field related to Optometry and Vision Sciences.
- Are recognized as an eminent national or international authority in your discipline with a sustained record of competitive research grant success.
- Bring a strong track record of academic leadership, financial governance, and strategic decision-making in complex environments.
- Demonstrate exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse academic, clinical, government, and industry stakeholders.
- Exhibit evidence of ethical leadership, fair staff management, and a commitment to fostering a safe, high-performing, and inclusive culture. (Experience leading accredited clinical education programs, health service partnerships, or organisational change is highly desirable).

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

- Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
- Supportive adaptable work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
- Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs and learning platforms
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team

You will join the Melbourne School of Health Sciences as Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences—an internationally recognized research and teaching department delivering the graduate-entry Doctor of Optometry program. Working alongside high-performing academic and professional staff,



you will lead an inter-professional, collaborative environment with state-of-the-art shared facilities, strong clinical partnerships, and a dedicated graduate research community.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected].

Application essentials:

- Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
- You must have current valid work rights for Australia.
- A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
- Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

- For queries related to this specific position, contact Professor Bruce Thompson by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 9344 2961.
- For questions related to our recruitment process email [email protected].
- For recruitment adjustments contact [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: Sunday 1 November 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: PD - HOD, DOVS

📌 Head, Optometry & Vision Sciences (Parkville)
🏢 University Of Melbourne
📍 Parkville