VTTI is looking for candidates who are interested in making a difference through direct involvement in ground-breaking transportation safety research, evaluating advanced vehicle technologies and related driver/occupant/road user issues that affect roadway safety. Transportation is undergoing an incredible transformation as driver-assistance, automated, and other safety-related technologies continue to expand in both capability and market availability. At VTTI, a world-leading research institute, we are working with government agencies, transportation and safety organizations, vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers, and others to improve transportation safety and performance on our roadways. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA)
The Division of Vehicle, Driver, and System Safety (DVDSS), a research-focused group within VTTI, seeks qualified and ambitious engineering, human factors or traffic safety professionals with a strong background in psychology, safety, and/or vehicle technology. Research areas of focus within DVDSS include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connected and automated vehicles, driver distraction/workload/monitoring/impairment, sensor perception and performance, education and training, vulnerable road users, targeted demographics (teens, older drivers, etc.), and a mix of surface vehicle types (light vehicles, rail, scooters, bicycles, etc.).
The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced researcher capable of supporting research projects and working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to improve transportation safety through cutting edge research. Research projects range from driving simulator and test track experiments using a single vehicle to large-scale naturalistic driving studies that involve collecting data from hundreds of vehicles on public roadways. The successful candidate will contribute to the conceptualization of research and proposal development with principal investigators. With guidance, the successful applicant will manage the day-to-day operations of research projects including: literature reviews, research design, research execution, data analysis, report writing, presentations, and publications. Experience with human factors research in transportation or related fields and expertise in statistical analyses is preferred. Proficiency with data collection and working knowledge of analysis software packages, SQL database/programming is desired. The applicant must be interested in improving transportation safety and be willing to work on multiple projects in a fast paced, demanding, and highly rewarding research environment. VTTI provides opportunities for professional advancement and a pay for performance structure.
Research Associates will be expected to provide input into the design and initiation of research. They are expected to make contributions toward the preparation of budgets but will have limited responsibility and/or authority in the project management process. Work will be supportive in nature and contribute to the overall program/project success. They may supervise junior level team members and student employees as assigned. Duties and responsibilities will include:
• Assist in the development of proposals
• Research and assist in the composition of literature reviews
• Assist with the conceptualization and creation of work plans, protocols, and procedures
• Coordinate and collaborate with subcontractors and interface with stakeholders and sponsors as required
• Prepare and analyze data
• Interpret results and develop robust conclusions
• Write research reports
• Present research findings
Directions given and received:
• Work with peers, research assistants, undergrad students, technicians and support staff to coordinate project tasks to ensure timely completion.
• Must be able to work effectively independently with oversight as well as within multidisciplinary project teams as appropriate.
The selected candidate will require a criminal background check and valid driver's license and good driving record.