Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV, Center for Transportation Research in Cockrell School of Engineering

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV conducts transportation-related research within the Center for Transportation Research on emerging mobility technologies and program innovations for government agencies, including local and regional Texas transportation agencies and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The role leads and supports strategic innovation, implementation, planning, and workforce development projects, and works closely with CTR researchers, TxDOT, project sponsors, and transportation agencies. The position represents CTR at key forums and contributes to project meetings, strategic planning, policy analysis, publications, and technical and policy recommendations for Texas transportation leadership. It also develops grant applications, builds networks of subject matter experts, maintains an emerging technology portfolio, supervises student research assistants, and coordinates research proposals and reports. Work is performed in a standard office environment and includes repetitive keyboard use. The initial appointment is for one year, with extension dependent on funding and performance; the position is expected to continue until December 31, 2027.

Requirements

Master’s degree in transportation engineering, public policy, or a related field, and four years of relevant experience; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Prior experience working with TxDOT and/or other transportation agencies.
Experience in technology evaluation and strategic planning; connected and autonomous vehicles are preferred areas.
Policy analysis skills.
Knowledge of and experience with public affairs.
Experience working with teams of engineers, planners, and community organizations.
Experience writing professional research papers and grant applications.
Comfort presenting transportation research information to a large audience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of Texas transportation and regional mobility.
Experience with topics complementary to transportation and influenced by mobility decisions, such as freight, active transportation, equity, and housing.
Understanding of professional and technical writing techniques.
Preference for technology evaluation and strategic planning involving connected and autonomous vehicles.

Responsibilities

Lead and assist with strategic innovation, implementation, and planning projects and workforce development program management.
Work with CTR researchers, TxDOT, project sponsors, and Texas transportation agencies.
Represent CTR at key forums; oversee and facilitate project meetings and strategic planning.
Conduct policy analysis and write publications and technical and policy recommendations for Texas transportation leadership.
Develop grant applications, build a network of subject matter experts, and update an emerging technology portfolio.
Supervise undergraduate and graduate research assistants conducting research activities.
Coordinate research proposal writing and report preparation.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits, with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan with 8.25% employer matching funds.
Voluntary retirement programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation 457(b).
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
Free training access through LinkedIn Learning and professional conference opportunities.
Tuition assistance.
Employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with staff ID.
Free rides on UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID.