TTI Associate Research Scientist

Job Title

TTI Associate Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department

Mobility Analysis

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Who are we?

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 70 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

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)

Ph.D. 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:

This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option that can be discussed further during the interview process.

Job Summary

This position will serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI to lead research and proposal development that focuses on freight mobility and multimodal coordination for state-level departments of transportation and regional/local agencies.  This position will be responsible for working with state and local agencies on freight mobility analytics and programs to adhere to federal requirements, as well as to advance freight efficiency and integration of freight consideration in agency practices.

This position will use, adapt, and modify scientific/research methods, techniques, and procedures in the independent conception, design, and implementation of research projects within a major, multifaceted research program to support state and local agency freight rail and multimodal freight/intermodal coordination to improve mobility.  The position will maintain and expand technical competence in areas of freight mobility, especially in relation to rail connections, and will adhere to a strong understanding of principles of quality and unbiased research.  Position may involve field analysis where research will be conducted following safety practices and guidelines.  Position is contingent upon availability of funding derived from research program or specific projects.   

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Transportation

• 5 years of related work experience

Essential Duties

• Manage freight-related mobility projects for states and regions including investigating freight bottlenecks and researching potential causes and issues to develop reports, advise on visualization, and develop public facing materials. 30%

• Actively seek and obtain externally-funded research projects, performing work on basic and applied technology problems, and participate in research proposals serving as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI. 10%

• Support projects related to rail and freight performance measurement and management. Develop performance programs and identify key freight and rail performance measures, data, and run performance analytics. 20%

• Identify, write, and develop proposals for projects for freight/rail mobility analytics and programs. 10%

• Coordinate with stakeholders and a variety of audiences including elected officials, state and local staff, federal agency staff and others on research work and development of initiatives. 10%

• Develop and write research reports in areas of freight/rail mobility primarily for public sector audiences or on their behalf. 10%

• Provide management and oversight of freight and rail programs as embedded or support staff to state and local agencies. 9%

• Other duties as assigned. 1%

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Position requires expert level proficiency in freight and rail laws, regulations, and codes at federal, state, and local levels, as well as ability to review and assess impacts of proposed legislation on freight, especially rail issues

• Expertise in right-of-way negotiations and use of land to support transportation needs

• Leadership in managing freight programs such as freight offices, freight rail programs, or other freight-related programs for a state department of transportation.

• Freight rail operations expertise from managing freight operations and working with freight carriers and or service providers.

• Ability to manage contracts and negotiate funding and budgets.

• Experience working with federal freight funding projects, particularly federal rail or freight infrastructure programs.

• Knowledge of freight rail mobility, data, operations, planning, and policy, especially for rail-related grant programs and public loans.

• Expertise in developing performance measures to coordinate multiple departments and project outcomes.

• Knowledge of long-term plans for freight and rail systems

• Understanding of required preliminary engineering and environmental documentation for complex capital projects. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Senior-level experience (15-20 plus years) in managing freight projects, programs, contracts, and grants for a state department of transportation with at least ten of them specifically focusing on freight rail and multimodal coordination, especially short line management including planning and operations. 

• State DOT experience, especially working with multimodal freight entities, specific railroad and short line management or oversight, planning and performance measurement and management capabilities.

• Certification and training in rail grade crossing safety, rail track maintenance and inspection, and other safety standards, as well as multimodal freight program training. 

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 committed to diversity.