TTI Associate Research Scientist/Engineer

Texas A&M Transportation Institute•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 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. TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with a minimum of two days in TTI Dallas, Austin or Bryan offices. This can be discussed further during the interview process. The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s Air Quality and Environment Division is seeking candidates with experience in environmental or transportation field interested in working on research related to transportation and the environment. The successful applicant will conduct research in the areas of transportation (on-road, non-road, airport, rail, etc.) activity, emissions, and energy modeling, and other environmental areas. The successful applicant will perform research on externally funded projects and actively seek and obtain externally funded research projects by participating in research proposal development. The successful applicant is expected to work within collaborative teams on projects led by other Principal Investigators (PI) and gradually progress into a PI role on externally funded research projects. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Requirements

Master’s degree in engineering or environment.
Five (5) years of related work experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in data collection, interpretation, and statistical analysis.
Proficiency in data analytics, visualization.
Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: R or Python.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Ability to work independently, but collaboratively on multiple projects.
Ability to work strategically with oversight from a Program Manager or senior staff.
Valid Class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Civil, Environmental, or Transportation Engineering.
Proficiency in field data collection and analysis.
Proficiency in laboratory operation.
Proficiency in emission inventory development for different mobile sources: on-road, non-road, locomotive, airports, etc.
Proficiency in at least one of the following SQL databases: MySQL, SQLite, or PostgreSQL.
Proficiency in at least one of the following BI tools: Tableau or PowerBI.
Proficiency in at least one of the GIS tools: ArcGIS or QGIS.
Advanced proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: R or Python.
Strong networking and relationship-building skills with project sponsors and stakeholders.
Experience working with federal and state transportation or environmental agencies such as FHWA, EPA, TxDOT, TCEQ, or MPOs.
May travel to sites for field data collection.
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.

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, coordinate, and report detailed phases of research and development projects.
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.
Synthesize data and extract meaningful statistics and trends.
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.
Proposal writing, literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. (30%)
Execute oversight and leadership of self-initiated research projects, author or co-author of reports and scholarly publications based on original research. (30%)
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. (15%)
Actively seek and obtain externally funded research projects, performing work on basic and applied technology problems, and participate in research proposals serving as Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or contribute as a significant lead in the proposal. (10%)
Provide oversight and direction to student employees and junior staff. (8%)
Conduct laboratory and field data collection, with possible travel. (3%)
Help develop division-wide work processes. (3%)
Other duties as assigned. (1%)

Benefits

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)
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.