Researcher in Micromobility Visualisation and Simulation

University of Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UK seeks a Researcher to work on an innovative project with a focus on developing battery electric vehicles. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in immersive XR technologies, preferably within the automotive sector. Responsibilities include conducting research and collaborating with industry partners. The role offers a unique opportunity to impact urban mobility and sustainable transport through practical application and research development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Teacher’s Pension Scheme

Holistic wellbeing benefits

Onsite gym discounts

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Strong background in immersive XR technologies applied in automotive or similar environments.
• Experience producing academic publications and presenting at conferences.
• Developing research skills and ability to solve complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, development, and testing for the project.
• Support student supervision and project planning.
• Collaborate with academic colleagues and industry partners.

Skills

Immersive XR technologies

Research collaboration

User experience feedback gathering

Education

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

Simulation software

Job description

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

About the Role

We are seeking a Researcher to join an exciting collaborative project in partnership with Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK), a leading global industry partner. This role combines applied research with practical development, focusing on innovative solutions that address real-world challenges.

This project will support the development of a new, lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) at TMUK's Burnaston site. The vehicle will meet the rising demand for eco-friendly micro-mobility with features including a solar roof, advanced connectivity, and sustainable materials ensuring end of recovery and recycling. It supports the UK's move to zero-emission transport, boosts the supply chain, and secures jobs at TMUK. By developing a ready-to-produce design, the project opens new market opportunities and positions the UK as a leader in sustainable urban mobility and advanced automotive manufacturing.

The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) has funded this £30.3 million project through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 Collaborate programme, and aims to meet the evolving needs of urban populations while accelerating the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport by validating a novel, lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the L6e category.

The University of Derby will play a critical role in the project, leading on real‑world testing and analysis, leveraging its expertise in micromobility user behaviour and solar energy viability. Together, the consortium partners are studying how to shape a smarter and more sustainable future for urban mobility across Europe. Acting as a ‘living lab,’ the University will evaluate how the BEV fits evolving patterns of sustainable urban mobility and assess its potential to transform city transport.

As micromobility becomes central to the future of urban transport, this study marks a vital step toward understanding and meeting the evolving mobility needs of city populations, while accelerating the shift toward reduced congestion emissions and enhanced urban accessibility. The research aligns with the University of Derby’s flagship Derby Urban Sustainable Transport Transition (DUST) project, focused on enhancing the city’s green spaces and promoting low‑carbon mobility.

By applying innovations in data‑centric engineering, market demand opportunities along with user engagement and experience, we will explore how novel technologies will be adopted and accepted such that micromobility reaches the most appropriate users and locations, maximising accessibility and effectiveness.

As a Researcher involved in this project, you will contribute ideas, carry out research, development and tests. You will also support student supervision, contribute to project planning and reporting, and present your research findings. The position involves close collaboration with academic colleagues, engineers, and industry partners, contributing to publications, demonstrations, and stakeholder engagement.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of research and industry, delivering impactful outcomes that shape the future.

About You

For this role, we are looking for a researcher with strong background and experience in the design, development and application of immersive XR technologies in creating simulated environments. Ideally, prior experience in applying such capabilities in automotive sectors would be preferable, however application into other environments may also be relevant. This role will also involve the gathering of user experiences and feedback as to inform real‑world interactions.

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline or have equivalent experience in the deployment of immersive technologies in user experiences, simulation and engagement.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate engagement in high‑quality research activity within immersive technologies and have experience producing publications for academic journals and presenting findings at conferences.

You will bring developing research skills and the ability to creatively apply relevant approaches, models, and techniques to complex challenges. Strong collaboration skills are essential, and the ability to build effective relationships and work closely with colleagues both internally and externally are critical to the success of the project.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Chris Bussell, Pro Vice Chancellor / Dean via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail]