Website Veredus
Education & Training
University College London
Director of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
Location: London
Salary: An attractive remuneration package
UCL is a world leading, global university with a community of more than 51,000 students from 150 countries and over 18,000 staff which pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries, and makes a positive impact on real world problems. We are consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation. We are ambitious for change and are committed to taking ever bolder and more impactful interventions towards a becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive university. UCL has recently outlined its approach to transformational change to ensure a sustainable future against a background of financial, sector and geopolitical challenges currently facing higher education today, the full detail of which can be found in UCL Strategic Plan 2022-27.
Part of the world-renowned Faculty of Brain Sciences, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology is one of the world’s leading centres for vision research, education and clinical translation. Its close partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides a uniquely powerful platform for discovery, translation and patient impact, bringing together internationally recognised research, education and clinical expertise with access to the largest ophthalmic patient population in the Western world. With approximately 250 staff and annual income of around £27 million, the Institute is a global centre of excellence in eye and vision research. Its work spans discovery science, translational research, clinical innovation, population health, education and enterprise, with a strong focus on collaboration across disciplines, sectors and international boundaries.
We are now seeking to appoint an outstanding Director to provide strategic and academic leadership to one of UCL’s most internationally recognised institutes. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, you will be a member of the Faculty Leadership Team and a key contributor to both the Faculty and UCL’s wider strategic ambitions. You will further shape and deliver the Institute’s vision as a global leader in vision research and education, advancing discovery, accelerating clinical translation and strengthening the Institute’s impact for patients, communities and society.
This is an exciting time to join the Institute as it enters the next phase of its development, guided by the Institute Strategy 2025–2030 and the creation of the new Moorfields and UCL Centre for Eye Health. Scheduled to open next year, this state-of-the-art centre will bring together world-leading eye care, research and education under one roof in London’s Knowledge Quarter, creating one of the world’s largest co-located centres for eye research, education and care. Working closely with Moorfields Eye Hospital, the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, the Faculty of Brain Sciences, wider UCL and external partners, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening academic and clinical integration, supporting innovation and enterprise, attracting world-class talent, and extending the Institute’s national and international profile.
This is a significant opportunity to lead a world-class Institute that is tackling some of the most important challenges in eye health and vision research. The successful candidate will bring an outstanding international profile in ophthalmology, vision science or a related field, together with a compelling strategic vision for the Institute’s future and a proven record of leadership across research, education, partnership and organisational development. You will inspire excellence and innovation across all areas of the Institute’s work, championing collaboration, inclusion, academic ambition and translational impact, while fostering a culture in which staff and students can thrive.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Further Information
Full details on the role duties, responsibilities and experience requirements are available in the UCL-IoO-Director-Role-Description.
The UCL Academic Manual defines the framework, governance, and expectations for academic leadership roles such as Heads of Department.
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our advising Consultants at Veredus:
James Griffin on james.griffin2@veredus.co.uk or Reece D’Alanno on reece.dalanno@veredus.co.uk
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM
CANDIDATE SUPPORTING INFORMATION FORM
PLEASE ENSURE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (CV / SUPPORTING STATEMENT / FORMS) ARE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE
The deadline for receipt of applications is 9am on Monday, 24th August 2026.
Final interviews will be held w/c 28th September 2026.
Accessibility Statement
We are committed to ensuring that anyone can access our application processes. Should you require access to this document in an alternative format, wish to apply in a different format, or need any other reasonable adjustments made for you (including at interview), please contact us on education@veredus.co.uk.