Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV, Center for Transportation Research in Cockrell School of Engineering
About The Position
The Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV conducts transportation-related research at the Center for Transportation Research within the Cockrell School of Engineering. The role focuses 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 position leads and supports strategic innovation, implementation, planning, and workforce development projects. It works closely with CTR researchers, TxDOT, project sponsors, and Texas transportation agencies. The associate represents CTR at key forums, oversees and facilitates project meetings, supports strategic planning and policy analysis, prepares publications, and develops technical and policy recommendations for Texas transportation leadership. The role also develops grant applications, builds a network of subject matter experts, maintains an emerging technology portfolio, supervises undergraduate and graduate research assistants, and coordinates research proposals and reports. Work is performed in a standard office environment. The initial appointment is for one year, with extension dependent on funding and performance; the position is expected to continue until December 31, 2027. The role is scheduled for 40 hours per week, and the earliest start date is immediately.
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 of focus.
- 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.
- Experience with 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 prepare 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.
- Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
- Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan with 8.25% employer matching funds.
- Additional voluntary retirement programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation program 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 card.
- Free rides on UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
