TTI Research Scientist/Program Manager

Job Title

TTI Research Scientist/Program Manager

Agency

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department

Center of Alcohol and Drug Education Studies

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Introduction

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). For 70 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. TTI team members are recognized state, national and international leaders known for their credibility, technical expertise, and reputation for objectivity. Through a diverse, interconnected group of over 700 professionals, students, and support staff, TTI delivers excellence, value, and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Established in 1997 by the Texas A&M University Board of Regents, The Center for Alcohol and Drug Education Studies (CADES) was created with the purpose of addressing state issues involving alcohol and other drugs. CADES synchronizes its work with a wide variety of state agencies and stakeholders to provide a comprehensive and uniform approach to alcohol and drug education and outreach. This includes activities in the areas of policy development and analysis; statistical analysis; program development/educational design; crash analysis /investigation; training development and provision; forensic toxicology; alcohol and other drug testing methods; and legal expertise for the judiciary, law enforcement and community supervision.

The Center engages in research that seeks to identify and evaluate approaches aimed at preventing the use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs by society. Our purpose is simple, to focus on solving problems caused by irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs and to serve as a resource for transportation safety research, policy analysis, education, and technology transfer.

TTI's Director for the Center for Transportation Safety (CTS) invites all interested candidates to apply for our exciting position of Director for CADES.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society.

Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Our Work Environment

Entrepreneurial culture

Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty

Ability to work with nationally recognized experts

Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals

Premier office and research facilities and equipment

Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground

Outstanding research support services

Hybrid work environment/telecommuting

Flexible work hours

Family friendly

High staff retention rates

Leadership development and wellness programs

Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements

Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs.

https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/

What you need to know

• TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in a TTI Texas based office. This can be discussed further during the interview process.

• The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary:

This position serves as the CADES Director, overseeing the program, carrying out the vision of the program, and developing new research, education, and outreach (REO) initiatives and assist with institute-wide initiatives and activities.

The person in this role will serve as a subject matter expert in the area of alcohol and drug REO. This will include providing the strategic direction and operational oversight for a comprehensive portfolio of alcohol and other drug REO projects. It will include being PI on self-initiated REO projects, developing new initiatives, contributing to strategic research goals, providing coordination and leadership of more junior staff on specific projects, and obtaining and maintaining extramurally-funded REO projects. Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of funding derived from REO projects.

General Duties:

The person will:

Applied Research and Management Duties : Responsible for the overall direction and management of CADES, which includes the day-to-day supervision, planning, administration, evaluation, and implementation of the program’s REO functions. These duties include project management, supervision, data collection, data analysis, and work coordination. Will manage multiple projects as PI through managing time, budgets, and progress of work to meet sponsor expectations. Serve as the primary contact with sponsors for complex projects that involve multi-disciplinary teams representing different divisions and programs. Plan, schedule, coordinate, and report detailed phases of REO projects. Coordinate REO activities and gather data needed for project tasks. Assemble, organize, document, and archive REO project materials and deliverables. Analyze and document business processes. Analyze and develop potential new techniques, policies, procedures, and recommendations within the drug and alcohol REO domain. Manage, communicate, and coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams comprising research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and support staff. Ensure the completion of project objectives and timely delivery of high-quality project deliverables.

They will be responsible for managing current contracts as well as the development and submission of new state and national level proposals for funding, composing various reports and white papers, presenting deliverables and study reports, overseeing and managing CADES staff and graduate students/other personnel, and inter-program coordination and project management.

Business Development : Develop and maintain relationships with REO sponsors, including non-traditional ones. Proactively brainstorm, develop and present innovative project ideas and concepts and research needs statements to potential REO sponsors. Identify opportunities to take the program’s skillset to new REO business opportunities. Build potential teaming relationships with other partners. Lead and assist in effective proposal preparation to potential sponsors. Identify and pursue independent REO funding opportunities. Independently maintain or contribute to extramurally funded research

Staff Management and Supervision : Manage, develop, and mentor staff, including professional and career development needs, provide continual and annual performance evaluation feedback, approve time and effort, and approve leave requests. Supervise senior and junior staff general work performance including day-to-day direct assignments for junior staff.

Report Preparation and Presentations : Compile, document, and present results in formats required for inclusion in reports, technical memoranda, and presentations. Prepare project reports and other deliverables as required. Prepare materials for presentation of research results and other deliverables at technical meetings or other venues (e.g., national and state level) and to sponsors. Prepare and give presentations to existing and potential sponsors, academic settings, or conference setting. Schedule, prepare, conduct, and document project meetings with sponsors.

Specific Duties: Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funding and satisfactory performance. Specific duties to include:

• Responsible for funding CADES staff, research diversification and financial management of the program. Maintain and grow CADES; lead strategic planning, sets objectives and key results for program to achieve, and effectively communicates the plan. 25%

• Serve as primary contact with sponsors. Promote TTI REO, develop new sponsors, identify future direction of funding opportunities, and actively develop and nurture research opportunities. 15%

• Supervise, develop, and mentor junior and mid-level staff within CADES. 10%

• Build teams within program, division, and across TTI. 5%

• Coordinate with other program managers and division heads. 4%

• Develop and lead major proposals and multidisciplinary teams. 10%

• Hire, supervise, and review performance of staff in program, recommend salary actions, promotions, etc. 5%

• Manage conduct of research, time, budgets, and financial records for projects. 25%

• Other duties as assigned. 1%

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in transportation, criminal justice, public health, or other related field.

• 8+ years professional experience in transportation safety.

• 5+ years managing organizations, programs, divisions, and teams.

• 5+ years’ experience in proposal development and project management.

• Experience with and participation on national committees or service boards.

• Strong knowledge of state and federal impaired driving laws.

• Strong knowledge of research management processes, data collection, and evaluation methods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years managing traffic safety research teams and programs.

• 5+ years’ experience in community engagement, coalition building, and educational outreach.

• PhD in transportation, criminal justice, public health, or other related field.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.