The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for students, our staff and our region. We have one promise – to make a positive impact. Through our groundbreaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

Located in the heart of England, the University of Derby is the only university in Derbyshire, and offers industry-relevant, expert teaching, from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research. 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.

The University of Derby’s research strategy is focused on growing research scale, quality and impact, with clear ambition to strengthen performance in future Research Excellence Framework (REF) outcomes. The University is investing in research leadership, capacity-building and doctoral supervision to support the development of internationally excellent and world-leading research, while maintaining a strong applied ethos that aligns research excellence with innovation, policy relevance and societal benefit.

Research at Derby is organised around six Academic Themes spanning zero carbon, data science, policy and public services, health, and creative and cultural practice, providing an interdisciplinary framework that connects technical excellence with societal and industrial impact. These interconnected areas provide a coherent foundation for research activity, enabling nuclear engineering research to draw on expertise beyond the discipline and to operate effectively at scale, in collaboration with industry, government and public-sector partners.

The University of Derby is making a bold and strategic investment in nuclear engineering at a defining moment for the UK’s energy and defence capability. We are seeking exceptional Professors and Associate Professors to help lead the next phase of our growth, shaping high-impact research, advanced education and transformative industry collaboration.

These roles sit within our College of Science and Engineering, a powerhouse of STEM expertise addressing the UK’s most pressing challenges - from decarbonisation and digital engineering to advanced manufacturing and clean energy. The College combines applied research, industry-aligned teaching and state-of-the-art facilities, creating an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives and innovation delivers tangible results.

Working alongside major partners including Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, you will contribute to flagship initiatives such as the award-winning Nuclear Skills Academy and play a central role in expanding the University’s national and international influence in nuclear engineering. This is a chance to lead work of genuine significance - strengthening UK capability, supporting net-zero ambitions and shaping the future workforce.

Why Derby?

At Derby, our people are central to everything we do. We offer an inclusive, supportive and values-driven culture where academic leaders are trusted, empowered and encouraged to be bold. With a clear long-term vision, strong industry alignment and a growing international profile, Derby provides the platform, stability and ambition needed to do your best work.

You will join a university that values wellbeing, collaboration and professional growth, while operating at the forefront of applied nuclear engineering education and innovation. If you are looking for an opportunity to shape your discipline, industry and the future, Derby is the place to do it.