Engineering Researcher II

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $69,200 - Midpoint: $89,900 (Salaried E11)

Department/Organization: 750401 - Alabama Transportation Institute

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Engineering Researcher II oversees engineering research projects and assumes responsibility for the day-to-day activity supporting project. Makes significant contributions to the planning and design of research and creative projects. Assists in short- and long-term planning and project goals. May assist with research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings.

Additional Department Summary: Supports externally funded research projects conducted through the Center for Transportation Operations, Planning, and Safety (CTOPS), and the Alabama Transportation Institute (ATI) at The University of Alabama. Plays a critical role in advancing research in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), transportation systems management and operations (TSMO), transportation safety, travel behavior, transportation planning, and infrastructure systems. The work supports projects funded by federal agencies (e.g., Federal Highway Administration, National Cooperative Highway Research Program), state departments of transportation (e.g., ALDOT and MDOT), and university transportation centers. Develops and conducts research studies, leads and contributes to proposal writing, performing advanced data analysis, manages tasks across multi-institutional research teams, mentors student researchers, and disseminates findings through peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations.

Continued employment in this position is contingent upon the availability of external project funding.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of engineering or closely related research experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of engineering or closely related research experience; OR doctoral degree and some engineering or closely related research experience. Post-Baccalaureate degree is highly preferred (Master’s degree or higher).

Skills and Knowledge: Proficiency in programming, traffic simulation, statistical modeling, and machine learning/deep learning techniques. Excellent communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment. Strong technical and academic writing skills. willing and able to acquire new skills as needed to support the research projects. Proficient and up to date with state-of-the-art technologies and methods relevant to the research focus.

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a closely related field. Experience mentoring students or junior researchers in a research setting. Strong research background in areas such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), transportation systems management and operations (TSMO), transportation safety. Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at prestigious academic and professional conferences. Familiarity with federal and state research project management and reporting requirements.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.