"Researchers (5 Positions: Market Researcher, Intelligent Mobility and Data Engineering, Solar Energy, Micromobility Visualisation and Simulation, Intelligent Human-Machine Interaction)"

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)
• Researcher in Intelligent Human-Machine Interaction (FTC 18 months)

Benefits

• 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 recruitment@derby.ac.uk