Job Description
Location: Markeaton Street, Derby Campus (Hybrid working available)
Salary: £38,249 to £45,413 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: Thursday 31 July 2025
Reference: 0091-25
About the University
At the University of Derby, we are dedicated to making a positive impact through research, teaching, and a commitment to sustainability. Recognised with a Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, we are proud to deliver an outstanding experience to our students and staff.
As a modern, ambitious university with exceptional facilities, we offer an inclusive culture focused on wellbeing, professional growth, and career development.
About the College
Our College of Science and Engineering is the heart of STEM education at Derby. From decarbonisation to digital innovation, we are shaping the future of engineering and technology.
Located in our state-of-the-art STEM annex, the Engineering discipline benefits from significant investment in smart sensor technologies, robotics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Our team actively drives applied research and collaborates with regional and national partners.
The Role
We are seeking a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering to help us build on our vision of delivering an exceptional learning experience, expanding our research capacity, and strengthening industry engagement.
This new role reflects our strategic investment in mechanical engineering and aims to grow expertise in areas such as:
- Applied Mathematics
- Thermofluids
- Engineering Science
- Structural Mechanics
In this role, you will:
- Design and deliver engaging teaching materials for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- Inspire students with research-led learning
- Develop your research profile and contribute to high-quality publications and funding bids
- Support knowledge exchange with industry partners
- Take an active role in enhancing our REF and KEF outcomes
Sponsorship Opportunity
Important:
This role may be eligible for visa sponsorship, depending on your personal circumstances.
Please note:
- The offered salary is below the standard threshold for the Skilled Worker visa (£38,700).
You may still be eligible if you meet one of these criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration:
- Your job appears on the Immigration Skills Shortage List
- You are under 26, studying, recently graduated, or in professional training
- You hold a relevant PhD qualification
- You are applying for a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
You will also need to meet the English language requirements.
 For detailed information, visit the official guidance on Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University will assess your eligibility for sponsorship during the shortlisting process.
About You
You might be an emerging academic or an experienced professional who wants to make a difference in mechanical engineering education and research.
We’re looking for someone who:
Brings expertise in applied mathematics, thermofluids, engineering science, or structural mechanics
Has experience teaching in higher education or the potential to excel in this environment
Is motivated to develop innovative course materials and inspire learners through real-world applications
Is working towards building or already has an active research profile
Enjoys collaborating with industry and academic partners
Shares our commitment to delivering an excellent student experience
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Learning
Deliver high-quality teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Design course materials and assessments aligned with University standards
Incorporate research insights into teaching
Assessment & Feedback
Create and mark assessments
Provide constructive feedback to students
Research & Knowledge Exchange
Conduct research and publish in peer-reviewed journals
Develop funding proposals and contribute to knowledge exchange activities
Support our targets for the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Student Support
Act as a personal tutor and provide pastoral care
Mentor and guide students towards achieving their goals
Collaboration & Engagement
Build partnerships with industry and professional organisations
Support student recruitment and outreach activities
Essential Criteria
Qualifications:
Fellowship of the HEA (or willingness to achieve this within 24 months)
PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area or commitment to complete within an agreed timeframe
Experience:
Knowledge of higher education teaching methods
Familiarity with quality assurance in curriculum design
Evidence of research or practice in mechanical engineering
Skills & Abilities:
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to design engaging learning experiences
Digital capability to support technology-enhanced teaching
Professionalism and commitment to continuous development
Benefits
As part of our community, you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
47 days annual leave, including bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
A supportive, flexible working environment
A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Wellbeing initiatives and family-friendly policies
Staff discounts and offers, including a discounted on-site gym
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Learn more about our rewards and benefits
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At the University of Derby, equity, diversity and inclusion are central to everything we do. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and actively encourage applicants to request any adjustments they may need to fully engage in our recruitment process.
For more details, visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page.
Sustainability Commitment
Sustainability is embedded across our teaching, research, and operations. We expect all colleagues to support our goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2050.
Application Details
Deadline to apply: Thursday 31 July 2025
Key Contacts:
For role-specific enquiries: Dr Martin Sole, Interim Head of Discipline, at m.sole@derby.ac.uk
For application or sponsorship questions: Recruitment Team, at recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Ready to shape the future of engineering and inspire the next generation?