Market Researcher

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.

The Market Researcher in Micro-mobility will contribute to this project by conducing market research, competitor research and consumer market research. The role will involve applied research and the Researcher will be responsible for translating research questions and user needs into relevant methods for best extracting competitor data and consumer opinions. You will work closely with academic colleagues, Toyota engineers and other industry partners, also contributing to publications 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

You will have a PhD or be on the journey towards a PhD or will have equivalent experience in Business, Marketing or a closely related discipline. You will be familiar and comfortable with both quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. Ideally, you will have proven previous experience of designing and delivering research projects, will have strong organisational skills and be able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Mark Gilman, Professor of Economics via m.gilman@derby.ac.uk 

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

For more information and to apply on-line, please click the “Apply” button above:

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