Job Title
TTI Associate Research Scientist
Agency
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Department
Transit Mobility
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Austin, Texas
Job Type
Faculty
Job Description
Who are we?
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 70 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 Mission and Vision
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.
Our Work Environment
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)
Our Employee Benefits
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.
https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/
What you need to know

• TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in a TTI Texas based office. 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.

Job Summary
Enhance and support public transportation and shared mobility by conducting applied research in a leadership role while also supporting projects as a member of multi-disciplinary project teams. Develop new research opportunities and expand your personal research portfolio. Specific duties include leading research, technical assistance, and training projects for local, state, and national sponsors; coordinating and collecting data from a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative sources; analyzing or guiding analysis of data (including data from surveys, the Census, intelligent transportation systems, databases, agency workbooks, interviews, and other sources); authoring and co-authoring reports and preparing and delivering presentations for a wide variety of audiences; performing literature and regulatory reviews; speaking at and participating in conferences; supporting public and stakeholder engagement activities; and other duties in support of a wide variety of transit-related projectsThis position is expected to serve as Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or contribute as a significant lead in research and proposal development. Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of funding derived from research program or specific projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
50% - Leading applied research projects as Principal Investigator (PI) by developing and leading multi-disciplinary teams of researchers to complete project tasks and deliverables on time and within budget.

• Execute oversight and leadership of self-initiated research projects.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and report detailed phases of research and development projects.
• Manage, communicate, and coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams comprising research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and support staff to ensure the completion of research objectives and timely delivery of high-quality project deliverables.
• Provide oversight and direction to student employees and junior staff.
• 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; and synthesize data and extract meaningful statistics and trends.
• Analyze and develop potential new techniques, policies, procedures, and recommendations.
• Evaluate and document review of laws, regulations, policies, and other documents and information. Synthesize information from many sources for a wide variety of audiences.
• Compile, document, and present results in formats required for inclusion in reports, technical memoranda, journal articles, presentations, and training materials.

30% - Support other PI's research projects as task lead and/or significant contributor.

• Prepare technical documentation, including data collection, analysis, and summaries.
• Prepare task and project reports and other deliverables as required.
• Prepare tables, charts, maps, and other graphics to display research methods and results.
• Work independently or with project teams to accomplish assigned tasks. Follow guidance from PIs while also suggesting new or alternative approaches to assigned tasks to improve research efficiency and quality.
• Prepare materials to be used in training and workforce development activities.

15% - Lead and support the program's strategic efforts and research development:

• Assist with overall direction and management of the Transit Mobility program, including day-to-day supervision of junior researchers, participating in planning, administration, evaluation, and implementation of strategic initiatives
• Lead and contribute to research proposal development as a PI and/or co-PI.
• Prepare and give presentations to existing and potential sponsors, in academic settings, or in conference settings.

5% - Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience

• Master's degree.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience in transit operations, transit planning, transit finance, transit management, and/or transportation research.
• Experience in analysis and various analytical methods, including both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Experience leading project teams and having a track record of meeting project deliverable requirements and deadlines.
• Experience in writing technical reports, memos, articles, or formal documents.
• Experience in publishing or presenting work to audiences-especially transit agency leaders.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Masters in urban and regional planning, public administration, business administration, political science, public affairs, finance, management, economics, statistics, engineering, geography, or other transportation-related field.
• Previous experience (professional, academic, or volunteer) working with transit or transportation agencies, research organizations, or private companies.
• Interest in and a commitment to supporting and transforming public transportation, shared mobility, and multi-modal access for the benefit of society.
• Experience speaking publicly and tailoring the presentation of information to a specific audience.
• Experience coordinating and facilitating groups (e.g., community organizing, workshops, trainings).
• Experience performing or supporting research or technical projects with regional, statewide, or national significance.
• Experience writing proposals or grants.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of the scientific method and basic research design.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Proficient at word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications (particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to work productively with others.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to perform literature searches and industry scans and synthesize collected information.
• Ability to use computers for email, attending web conferences and meetings, and to facilitate day-to-day activities.
• Ability to work independently and on a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Excellent data analysis and critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of transit policies, programs, and requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Knowledge of current research, issues, and innovations in public transit.
• Knowledge of transit planning, funding, operations, performance analysis, and regulations for bus, paratransit, and rail modes.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and literature.
• Ability to present and successfully explain highly technical material for a general audience.
• Ability to assign and supervise project work tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to plan and manage complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Ability to track and manage project budgets and expenditures.
• Ability to interact effectively with senior management and executives at transportation agencies.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to create appealing visuals, including tables, charts, and infographics.
• Knowledge or experience in one or more of these topics is preferred:
  
  • Transit financial management, grant management, procurement, National Transit Database reporting, and/or cost allocation.
  • On-demand transit (e.g., microtransit) and paratransit.
  • Rural and small urban transit.
  • Transit accessibility and equity.
  • Transit fare policy and payment.
• Knowledge of and skills working with geographical information systems (GIS), databases (Access or other), advanced spreadsheet functions/formulas, or other data analysis software.
• Ability to build surveys and data collection instruments using web-based tools.
• Graphic design and/or layout skills for producing visually appealing presentations, reports, handouts, etc.

Required Licenses, Registrations, and Professional Certifications

• N/A

Preferred Licenses, Registrations, and Professional Certifications

• A Class "C" vehicle operator's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Other Requirements or Other Factors:

• The position requires occasional travel to attend conferences, conduct site visits, assist in training and public outreach.

Preferred Other Factors:

• Active in professional or academic organizations.

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.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.