• UWA’s Doctor of Optometry program prepares students to meet evolving healthcare needs, with a focus on rural and community eye care.
• Students gain practical skills through diverse placements across WA, Australia, and internationally, building cultural competence and clinical confidence.
• Full-time appointment on a tenurable basis.
• Base salary range: Level A, $83,499 – $112,371 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is an organisation which pursues excellence, scholarship and community partnership across all aspects of its portfolio. It offers a wide range of high quality, evidence based health and care related programmes and is firmly committed to investing in the development and growth of this workforce in order to meet the health needs of Western Australia and beyond. 

The University offers a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required in a rapidly evolving health care landscape. The OD program aim to address current and future workforce gaps in Western Australia, particularly in rural primary eye care, long-term care, and urgent care across diverse communities. The focus is on enhancing the capacity and scope of practice for optometry professionals, instilling confidence and leadership skills to prepare students for future roles.

UWA's Optometry and Vision Science team is dedicated to providing exceptional hands-on experience through diverse placements across the state, nationally, and internationally. In Western Australia, students have opportunities in community eye clinics, corporate practices, and Aboriginal Medical Services in key locations like Geraldton, Broome, and Bunbury. Beyond the state, placements extend to major cities like Darwin and across Queensland, allowing students to engage with a wide array of patient populations. Internationally, placements are available in countries such as Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, and the United States, enriching the educational experience and preparing students to address vision care challenges in diverse cultural settings.

By integrating these extensive placement opportunities into the curriculum, UWA ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the practical skills and cultural competence needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of optometry, ultimately contributing to a work-ready health workforce tailored to the needs of Western Australia, including urban, regional, rural, and remote populations.

About the opportunity

• Organise and manage student professional placements and related administration.
• Design and monitor innovative work-integrated learning programs aligned with academic and professional standards.
• Lead large-scale projects and build strong networks across teams and external partners to meet strategic goals.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or demonstrated equivalent competency.
• Extensive experience in administration and proficiency in key software tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong time management and prioritisation abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, showing initiative and productivity.
• Skilled in supporting students and liaising with diverse internal and external stakeholders, with a commitment to quality service.

Note: A current “C” class driver’s licence will be required by the successful applicant.

Position description:  PD [Associate Lecturer [Optometry] [521288].pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Khyber Alam at khyber.alam@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria.

You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday 19 September 2025

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

About the University

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.