Graduate Research Assistant - Community Engagement & Emerging Technology (Waco MPO Smart Corridors Project)

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) will play a lead role in executing community and stakeholder engagement activities for the Waco MPO Smart Corridors project. The role emphasizes education focused engagement, qualitative input gathering, and synthesis of community perspectives related to corridor planning and emerging technologies. This is a temporary benefits-eligible position ending on December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The majority of work is concentrated in the first two years of the project. Funding details regarding tuition assistance are currently under review.

Requirements

Graduate student with background or experience in community engagement, qualitative research, public policy, planning, education, or related fields
Strong writing, synthesis, and communication skills
Interest in community-centered approaches to problem solving and learning
Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with limited supervision
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Currently enrolled as a UT Austin graduate student and able to meet all student worker eligibility requirements.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Experience with transportation, infrastructure, or urban planning is preferred but not required
Interest in emerging technologies or innovation in public sector contexts is a plus

Responsibilities

Support and help lead community workshops, listening sessions, and stakeholder interviews.
Assist with preparation, facilitation, note-taking, and follow-up synthesis for engagement activities.
Assist in designing engagement activities that educate participants and invite input on corridor challenges and potential technology-enabled solutions.
Support development of engagement formats, prompts, and activities that balance education and feedback.
Coordinate engagement efforts with project partners and local stakeholders.
Work with IC² staff, CTR, Waco MPO, and local partners to support scheduling, preparation, and alignment (logistics led by partners).
Develop engagement materials (presentations, discussion guides, summaries) in collaboration with CTR and the project team.
Prepare draft slides, discussion guides, briefing materials, and post-engagement summaries.
Synthesize qualitative input into clear, accessible summaries and insights to inform corridor planning.
Analyze notes, transcripts, and other qualitative inputs and produce concise internal memos highlighting themes, insights, and implications.
Participate in project meetings and contribute to cross-team coordination.
Attend project meetings, provide updates, and support coordination across research and planning teams.
Travel to Waco up to 1–2 times during the project, as needed.
Support in-person engagement activities or meetings when required.