Assistant or Associate Research Professor, The Thomas D. Larson Transportation Institute
About The Position
The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute (LTI) at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a professional-track research faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Research Professor level. Candidates with expertise that contributes to LTI’s core focus areas are encouraged to apply. These areas include enhancing infrastructure resiliency in the face of adversity; promoting efficiency in transportation systems; advancing community access and mobility; integrating advanced technologies such as electrification, automation, and connectivity; simulation and digital twins related to transportation; integration of artificial intelligence and data security within transportation systems; and ensuring the safety of all transportation system users. The primary goal of this search is to expand LTI’s research capacity and impact in the core areas listed above. The successful candidate is expected to be an independent researcher capable of securing external funding and sustaining their own research program, while also collaborating effectively with existing LTI faculty and research centers. A Ph.D. degree is preferred; however, candidates with a master’s degree and substantial relevant experience will also be considered. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong motivation and potential for advancement along Penn State’s professional research track and will have demonstrated experience in obtaining external research funding and would be eligible for membership of the Penn State graduate faculty ( https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies/gcac/gcac-100/gcac-101-graduate-faculty-membership ). The Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute is Penn State’s transportation research center. Since its founding in 1968, LTI has maintained a threefold mission of research, education, and service. The Institute brings together faculty from more than 14 colleges and research centers, world-class laboratory and full-scale test track facilities, and motivated students from across the University to address critical transportation challenges in partnership with public and private stakeholders. LTI houses three centers: the Bus Research and Testing Center (BRTC), the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies (CDGRS), and the Northeast Center of Excellence for Pavement Technology (NECEPT). For additional information about the Institute, please visit https://www.larson.psu.edu . For information on Penn State’s academic ranks and promotional opportunities for non-tenure-track faculty, please see https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ac21 . Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, contact information for three references, and up to three journal publications or research reports authored. Application materials should be uploaded as two PDFs: one PDF containing all application materials in the order listed without journal publications, and a second PDF containing only the journal publications. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 15, 2026 . Review of applications will start on December 1, 2025 and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Questions may be sent to the search committee chair, Dr. Xianbiao Hu at [email protected] .
Requirements
- Candidates with expertise that contributes to LTI’s core focus areas are encouraged to apply. These areas include enhancing infrastructure resiliency in the face of adversity; promoting efficiency in transportation systems; advancing community access and mobility; integrating advanced technologies such as electrification, automation, and connectivity; simulation and digital twins related to transportation; integration of artificial intelligence and data security within transportation systems; and ensuring the safety of all transportation system users.
- A Ph.D. degree is preferred; however, candidates with a master’s degree and substantial relevant experience will also be considered.
Nice To Haves
- The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong motivation and potential for advancement along Penn State’s professional research track and will have demonstrated experience in obtaining external research funding and would be eligible for membership of the Penn State graduate faculty ( https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies/gcac/gcac-100/gcac-101-graduate-faculty-membership )
Responsibilities
- Expected to be an independent researcher capable of securing external funding and sustaining their own research program
- Collaborating effectively with existing LTI faculty and research centers
Benefits
- Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
- In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
- One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
