Researcher in Solar Energy

Researcher in Solar Energy ) - Derby, DE22 1GB About the University 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 and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its 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 College/Department 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.  Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.  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 We are looking for a researcher with strong academic credentials and expertise in solar energy. 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 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, with the ability to build effective relationships and work closely with colleagues both internally and externally. 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 Sansom, Zero Carbon Research Theme Lead via   For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via Important Information 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  (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd 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 :  Your job is on the Immigration Skills List You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job  You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education 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 . The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern. Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here . Closing Date: 12 Jan 2026 Area: Teaching and Research Salary: £37,999 per annum