At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team researching innovative urban mobility solutions and contribute to real-world projects.
- Company: University of Derby, a modern university committed to sustainable living and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, family-friendly packages, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the future of eco-friendly transport and urban mobility.
- Qualifications: Research experience in engineering or related fields; passion for sustainability and innovation.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders like Toyota and gain hands-on experience in a thriving city.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.
Researchers for Urban Mobility Project employer: EURAXESS Ireland
Contact Detail:
EURAXESS Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Researchers for Urban Mobility Project
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Derby on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Urban Mobility Project. Understand its goals and how your skills can contribute. We want to show that we’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about making a positive impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. This helps us articulate our thoughts clearly and boosts our confidence. Remember, it’s all about showcasing our unique skills and experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows our enthusiasm for the position and keeps us on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Researchers for Urban Mobility Project
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Urban Mobility Project. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for urban mobility and sustainable transport shine through in your application. Share any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these areas – we love seeing genuine interest!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your ideas flow logically. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there.
How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Ireland
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Urban Mobility Project details. Understand its goals, the role of the University of Derby, and how it collaborates with Toyota Manufacturing UK. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the project.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research or projects that align with the role you're applying for. Whether it's in intelligent mobility, solar energy, or data engineering, highlight specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they can contribute to the project's success.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the project, team dynamics, and future opportunities at the University of Derby. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves collaboration with academic colleagues and industry partners, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, resolved conflicts, or contributed to group projects, emphasising your ability to work well with others.