Senior Lecturer in Operating Department Practice (ODP) in Northampton

The Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Northampton is entering a phase of growth within the School of Health, beginning with the creation of a brand‑new BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice programme, with an integrated apprenticeship route, launching in September 2027. We are seeking an exceptional Senior Lecturer in Operating Department Practice to lead the development of this innovative new degree from concept, through validation, and into successful delivery. This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to shape a new programme that will influence the future of ODP education and perioperative practice.

As an Operating Department Practitioner registered with the HCPC and the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP), you will bring your professional expertise, creative thinking, and leadership to a School that values innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. Working closely with the school leadership team, you will design and co‑create a future‑focused curriculum that reflects the full scope of contemporary perioperative practice and responds to emerging priorities across surgical care, anaesthesia, and post‑operative recovery. You will embed simulation‑based education, applied learning, and authentic assessment throughout the programme, supported by networks, modern facilities, and an engaged portfolio of established health courses.

Responsibilities

• Setting the vision, identity and standards for the new programme
• Leading the programme to a successful validation process with the HCPC
• Ensuring high levels of academic quality, governance, and professional alignment
• Driving continuous improvement and inspiring students to achieve at the highest level
• Networking and collaborating with external partners, seeking opportunities for knowledge exchange, research, and CPD delivery

You will join a supportive and forward‑thinking School where creativity and academic growth are actively encouraged. With a committed leadership team alongside you, you will have both the autonomy and the backing to bring your ideas to life and to shape an outstanding student experience.

About you

You will be an experienced, forward‑thinking Operating Department Practice educator or practitioner who is excited by the opportunity to build something new and meaningful. You will bring a clear vision for ODP education at UON, underpinned by a commitment to high‑quality learning and an excellent understanding of emerging evidence, professional standards, and future workforce needs across the perioperative environment. You will have experience in curriculum design, teaching, or practice‑based education, and you will be confident in leading academic development from concept through to implementation.

Your ability to think creatively, work collaboratively, and engage colleagues, partners, and students will be central to shaping the success of this new programme. You will thrive in an environment that values innovation and teamwork, and you will be motivated by the opportunity to influence professional education at a strategic level. With good communication skills, excellent organisation, and a student‑centred approach, you will be committed to creating high‑quality learning experiences that reflect contemporary perioperative practice and evolving professional expectations.

Most importantly, you will bring enthusiasm, vision, and the confidence to lead a new programme through validation and into delivery—establishing it as a benchmark for excellence in Operating Department Practice education.

Whilst remote working is available for this post the number of days per week will vary during each semester depending on the requirements of the post, this will be discussed in more detail at interview. This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.

Qualifications

Essential qualifications

• Degree qualification or equivalent in relevant subject area of Operating Department Practice
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP)
• Professional Recognition as HEA Fellow (D2) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timescale

Desirable qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant subject
• Doctorate in relevant subject, completed or within 12 months of completion

The School of Health is a dynamic and high‑performing centre for Allied Health Profession (AHP) education, recognised for inspirational teaching, excellent professional outcomes, and a consistently excellent student experience. We are proud of our exceptional National Student Survey 2025 results, with satisfaction rates of 95% in Paramedic Science, 92% in Podiatry, and 91% in Occupational Therapy, contributing to our ranking as one of the top three providers of Health Professions education in the UK. Looking ahead, the school is undergoing a significant period of growth, with three new undergraduate degrees in development: Dietetics and Nutrition, Speech and Language Therapy, and Operating Department Practice.