Research Fellow in Sustainable Mobility Transitions in Subsaharan Africa

Research Fellow in Sustainable Mobility Transitions in Sub-Saharan Africa Grade 7 (£39,355 – £46,735 p.a. depending on experience) 

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have a background in transport modelling or equivalent expertise? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities? If so, then this role working as part of the ‘Moving IMPACT: Integrated Means to Power Agriculture, Clean Cooking and Transportation’ project could be the job for you. 

Moving IMPACT is a £3.6m research project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council that brings together collaborative teams from the UK, Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya to explore how solar mini-grids integrated with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure can meet agricultural and community energy needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, advancing sustainable energy access and local development.   

You will be based in the Sustainability Research Institute of the School of Earth and Environment, working with Dr Sheridan Few, as well as other members of the project from academia and industry in other UK and international institutions. 

The University of Leeds leads a research theme on electric mobility. Working closely with in-country partners, the University of Leeds team will clarify electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs and understand the broader business model and institutional needs. This will begin with begin by focusing on high-utilisation vehicles like taxis and e-trikes. Working with a health centre in rural Ghana, we will also explore ways in which co-locating charging infrastructure can support both health and mobility outcomes.

The successful candidate would be responsible for the more technical parts of this project, leading the computational modelling of charging infrastructure required to meet electric mobility goals. You would work closely with another researcher on the project focussing on associated governance and business model arrangements, and could also contribute to research in this area.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

•    26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

•    Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary

•    Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

•    Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

•    Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Sheridan Few, Email: s.few@leeds.ac.uk

Closing Date: 15 Aug 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 p.a.