TTI Associate Research Scientist

Job Title

TTI Associate Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department

Work Zone & Dynamic Signs

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)

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

• It is envisioned that the employee will work in the office 5 days a week. The flexibility of a hybrid remote option with a minimum of two days in office at the primary duty station in compliance with the guidelines specified in the TTI Alternate Work Location (AWL) Arrangements will be considered during the hiring process.

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

Job Summary

The Transportation Operations & Roadway Safety Division of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is looking for a passionate researcher to join our team at our headquarters in Bryan Texas. As a member of the Work Zone and Dynamic Signs Program, the candidate will conduct research for our clients of federal, state, and local government agencies, transportation industries, and non-governmental organizations. Recent projects in this program addressed commercial motor vehicle safety in work zones, end-of-queue crashes at flagging stations on two-lane roads, driver compliance with work zone speed limits, speed safety camera use in work zones, effectiveness of orange pavement markings in work zones, human factors assessment of maintenance vehicle lighting, and improved use of smart work zone technology.

The candidate is required to have a strong background and proven research record in the work safety and management research areas. With guidance from senior researchers, the candidate is expected to serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI and lead research and proposal development. Other specific duties include reviewing literature, planning research activities, coordinating and collecting data, analyzing data, writing reports, preparing and delivering presentations, writing journal articles, and preparing proposals. Supervision of staff and students is expected along with travel to research locations or conferences, overnight travel, and data collection at night. The candidate is expected to have an understanding of the principles of quality and unbiased research, maintain and expand their technical competence, and complete all projects, including deliverables on-time. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funding and satisfactory performance. Other duties will be performed as required.

Essential Duties

• Data collection, analysis, coordination, and supervision: Plan, schedule, coordinate, and report detailed phases of research and development projects. Evaluate and document data collection requirements and activities. Coordinate data gathering activities and gather data needed for research tasks. Assemble, organize, document, and archive datasets. Develop data models, synthesize data, and extract meaningful statistics and trends. Develop and/or run software and hardware applications, and other methodologies, to conduct the research. Analyze and develop potential new techniques, policies, procedures, and recommendations. Conduct the necessary literature review and background information search to support techniques and methodologies used, as well as documenting past research for reporting purposes. This duty will require driving a TTI Agency vehicle. 50%

• Project oversight and management: Execute oversight and leadership of self-initiated research projects. Manage, communicate, and coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams comprising research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and support staff to ensure the completion of research objectives and timely delivery of high-quality project deliverables. Provide oversight and direction to student employees and junior staff. 15%

• Report and presentation preparation: Compile, document, and present results in formats required for inclusion in reports, technical memoranda, presentations, and scholarly publications. Prepare technical documentation, including literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and summaries. Prepare project reports and other deliverables as required. Prepare materials for presentation of research results and other deliverables at technical meetings or other venues and to sponsors. Author or co-author scholarly publications based on original research. 15%

• Proposal and research plan preparation: 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. Assist with the planning and implementation of the division/program's research growth plan.  15%

• Other duties as assigned. 5%

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering/science.

• 5 years related professional experience.

Required Licenses, Registrations, and Professional Certifications:

• Must have a Class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Transportation research experience with the work zones, MUTCD, traffic control devices, human factors, and safety analysis.

• Experience with writing proposals.

• Experience with leading (PI) research projects, including planning, conducting, and analyzing research according to the project scope and budget and completing all required deliverables.

• Demonstrated understanding of research methods and data analysis techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage research teams and effectively collaborate with peers and sponsors.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to multi-task, be flexible, and work cooperatively with others.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Civil Engineering or related field.

• Professional Engineering (PE) licensure in US and willingness to obtain Texas PE license.

• Good engineering judgement and demonstrates a high degree of technical competence.

• Publications in 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.