Researcher in Solar Energy

University of Derby; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed academic institution in the UK is seeking a researcher specializing in solar energy to join their team. The role focuses on developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges including contributing to a lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle project. Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline and demonstrate strong collaboration skills and experience in high-quality research. This position offers a range of benefits including generous annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Teacher's Pension Scheme

Holistic wellbeing benefits

Staff discounts at high street retailers

Discounted onsite gym

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working environment

Commitment to personal and professional development

Qualifications

• Candidate must have proven engagement in solar energy research.
• Experience presenting findings at conferences is crucial.
• Must demonstrate creative application of research techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop research skills and apply them to complex challenges.
• Collaborate with colleagues on innovative research solutions.
• Support development of a lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle.

Skills

Strong collaboration skills

Experience producing publications

Engagement in high-quality research

Education

PhD or equivalent experience in relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Chris Sansom, Zero Carbon Research Theme Lead via

Responsibilities

We are looking for a researcher with strong academic credentials and expertise in solar energy. The role involves developing research skills, creatively applying relevant approaches, models and techniques to complex challenges, and collaborating effectively with colleagues internally and externally. The research team focuses on innovative solutions to real‑world challenges, including the development of a new lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle at TMUK.

Project Details

The project combines applied research with practical development, focusing on innovative solutions that address real‑world challenges. It supports the development of a new, lightweight Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) at TMUK's Burnaston site, featuring a solar roof, advanced connectivity, and sustainable materials. The project is funded 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.

Qualifications

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline or have equivalent experience. The ideal candidate will demonstrate engagement in high‑quality research activity within solar energy, have experience producing publications for academic journals and presenting findings at conferences, and possess strong collaboration skills.

Salary and Immigration

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22^nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances, which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI: the job is on the Immigration Skills List, you are under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training; you have a PhD level qualification that is relevant to the job; you have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education. You must also meet the English Language requirement. The University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

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