TTI Associate Research Scientist

Job Title

TTI Associate Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department

Programming and Portfolio Management

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Austin, 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 75 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.

What you need to know

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

• The salary range for position is $92K - $110K. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary

This data science like position is responsible for conducting applied research in the areas of transportation planning and expected to serve as task lead and lead research and proposal development. Works independently, with minimal oversight from TTI Principal Investigator, TTI Program Manager, and overall direction from TTI Division Head. This position is responsible for utilizing, adapting and modifying scientific methods, techniques and procedures in the independent conception, design and implementation of research projects and project tasks within a major, multifaceted research program. Maintains and expands technical competence. Has an understanding of principles of quality and unbiased research. Completes projects and/or project tasks on-time and with completed deliverables. Conducts research following safety practices and guidelines. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Applied research duties, including data collection, analysis, coordination, and supervision: Plan, schedule, coordinate, and report detailed phases of research and development projects and/or project tasks. 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 using various programming languages. Use data science methods to extract and visualize meaningful statistics and trends using various programming languages. Develop and/or run applications 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. (50%)

Report preparation: Compile, document, and present results in formats required for inclusion in reports, technical memoranda, and presentations. Prepare technical documentation, including literature reviews, process documentation, data collection, analysis, and summaries. Prepare project reports and other deliverables as required. Prepare materials for the presentation of research results and other deliverables at technical meetings or other venues and to sponsors. (15%)

Execute oversight and leadership of projects and/or project tasks, author or co-author of reports and scholarly publications based on original research: (5%)

Actively seek and obtain externally-funded research projects, performing work on basic and applied technology problems, and participate in research proposals serving as task lead: (5%)

Assist with the overall direction and management, which includes the day-to-day supervision, planning, administration, evaluation, and implementation of the division/program's research functions: 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. (5%)

Research presentations: Prepare and give presentations to existing and potential sponsors, academic settings, or conference settings. Prepare, schedule, conduct, and document research meetings. (5%)

Interact with sponsors and potential clients: (5%)

Provides oversight and direction to student employees and junior staff: (5%)

Other duties as assigned: (5%)

Required Education and Experience

Master's degree in statistics, engineering, planning or another related field

Five (5) years of related professional experience

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent oral and written communication skills along with interpersonal and presentation skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), in Database software (e.g., MS ACCESS, SQL, VBA, etc.), in visualization software (Tableau, etc.), and in Statistical Software (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS, etc.).

Geospatial analysis skills and Python

Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, detail oriented, and a problem solver.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Statistics, Engineering, Planning, or another related field

Six (6) years relevant work experience.

Experience in conducting applied research in the area of transportation planning.

Strong data analytical/statistical skills,

Experience working with complex datasets, and visualization software.

Other Requirements or Factors

Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

Travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform common office functions.

Ability to frequently communicate with other individuals within the workplace.

Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.