TTI Research Scientist

Job Title

TTI Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department

Air Quality and Environment Division

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

• 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

The TTI Research Scientist is responsible for managing and executing projects within TTI’s Environment and Air Quality Division with a focus on interdisciplinary research topics related to transportation energy, emissions, and the environment. Performs design, coordination, supervision, evaluation, and quality-control of research projects of significant scope and importance. Will act as a PI on self-initiated research projects, provide coordination and leadership of more junior research staff on specific projects, and obtain and maintain extramurally-funded research projects.  Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of funding derived from research program or specific projects.

The incumbent is expected to work with the Division Leadership and Environment Group leadership to grow TTI’s research in the transportation energy and electrification related space, leveraging the soon to be established Clean Transportation Research Complex. Technical focus areas for this position include pursuing research development in the electric vehicle area using in-use testing and data collection and integrated grid and microgrid capabilities from the Clean Transportation Research Complex, establishing life cycle environmental impacts assessment based evaluation of transportation energy options, and assessing ancillary issues when it comes to energy alternatives including supply chains, charging and fueling infrastructure, grid resiliency and cybersecurity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Applied research and project management    ( 50%)

Responsible for the overall execution and management of research projects, which includes the day-to-day supervision, planning, administration, evaluation, and implementation of research projects. These duties include project management, supervision, data collection, data analysis, and work coordination. Serve as the primary contact with sponsors for complex projects that involve multi-disciplinary teams representing different divisions and programs. Analyze and develop potential new techniques, policies, procedures, and recommendations. Manage, communicate, and coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams comprising research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and support staff. Ensure the completion of research objectives and timely delivery of high-quality project deliverables. Performs quality-control of research projects. Supervise staff general work performance including day-to-day direct assignments for junior staff.

Business development (25 %)

Develop and maintain relationships with sponsors, including non-traditional ones. Proactively brainstorm, develop and present innovative project ideas and concepts and research needs statements to potential sponsors. Build potential teaming relationships with other partners. Lead and assist in effective proposal preparation to potential sponsors. Identify and pursue independent research funding opportunities. Independently maintain or contribute to extramurally funded research. Acts as a PI on self-initiated research projects.

Report and research results preparation and presentations ( 20%)

Compile, document, and present results in formats required for inclusion in reports, technical memoranda, and presentations. Prepare technical documentation, including 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. Prepare and give presentations to existing and potential sponsors, academic settings, or conference setting. Schedule, prepare, conduct, and document project meetings with sponsors.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

Required Education & Experience

• Master's Degree

• Eight (8) years of related work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, or Transportation Engineering

• Experience with sponsored research in the area of transportation, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary work covering transportation energy, emissions, and the environment.

• Experience working with public agencies in Texas

• Experience with TTI/TAMUS rules, policies, regulations and understanding of TTI's agreement with Texas Council of Engineering Companies (CEC).

• Professional Engineer License in Texas

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High level of technical competence in transportation as a whole   

• Knowledge of principles of quality and unbiased research.

• Ability to complete projects on-time and with completed deliverables.

• Ability to conduct research following safety practices and guidelines.

• Ability to actively participate in local, state, regional and national organizations.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperative with other.

• Ability to work well in teams.

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.