Researcher in Intelligent Mobility and Data Engineering

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. 

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 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.

We 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’s flagship Derby Urban Sustainable Transport Transition (DUST) project, focused on enhancing the city’s green spaces and promoting low-carbon mobility.

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 expertise in software and data-driven solutions. You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Intelligent Transport Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related discipline. Alternatively, you may have equivalent professional experience at an advanced level in mobile application development and data engineering within industry or research settings.

You will have demonstrable experience in designing, developing, and deploying modern applications - preferably mobile apps for Android, iOS, or using cross-platform frameworks such as React Native or Flutter - and/or rich web applications. A strong track record of producing high-quality outputs, such as peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, open-source software, or demonstrators, is essential.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Suleiman Aliyu, Lecturer in Internet of Things via s.aliyu@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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