Researchers for Urban Mobility Project

UNIVERSITY OF DERBY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern UK university is seeking five Researchers for an exciting project with industry partners on a new battery electric vehicle. The roles involve conducting applied research that addresses real-world challenges, focusing on innovative solutions for sustainable urban mobility. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and a strong collaborative spirit. This project aims to enhance green transport solutions and offers a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and numerous professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive, family-friendly reward packages

Cycle2Work scheme

Discount savings scheme

Extensive staff discounts on courses

Vast training programme

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Experience with applied research in engineering or similar.
• Ability to collaborate with industry partners.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development for the BEV project.
• Support student supervision and project activities.
• Present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Research collaboration

Data analysis

Project planning

Education

Relevant PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

Solar energy technologies

Mobility simulation tools

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF DERBY Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 12 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

About Us

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK, achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research, and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making us one of the top universities in the country, recognised for our outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious, we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the Role

We are seeking five Researchers 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 BEV in the L6e category.

The University of Derby will play a critical role in the project, leading on real-world testing and analysis, and 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 towards understanding and meeting the evolving mobility needs of city populations while accelerating the shift towards 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 and 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 and 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.

Positions Available:

• Market Researcher (FTC 12 months)
• Researcher in Intelligent Mobility and Data Engineering (FTC 12 months)
• Researcher in Solar Energy (FTC 12 months)
• Researcher in Micromobility Visualisation and Simulation (FTC 18 months)
• Accessible location; Derby is a thriving, multicultural city with easy access from any location within the UK
• Competitive rates of pay
• Competitive, family-friendly reward packages
• Opportunity to join a contributory pension scheme
• Discount savings scheme and extensive staff discounts on accredited courses for you or your family to study here at the University
• Cycle2Work scheme and subsidised travel
• Vast programme of training courses and secondment opportunities
• Local recognition scheme

For more information and to apply, please click the “Apply” button.

Closing date: 12th January 2026.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University.

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 . 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 . You must also meet the English Language requirement .

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

For more information, visit our website .

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