Job Description

There are jobs. Then there are careers that foster you to be a force for good in the world. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is a world-leading safety research center working with car companies, suppliers, and government agencies to bring about the safe development and deployment of automated vehicles on our roadways. Transportation is undergoing an incredible transformation, so every day we are approaching problems to make a difference in the world. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA).

VTTI seeks qualified, ambitious Senior Research Associates and Research Associates interested in answering complex questions surrounding automated vehicle systems. The candidate should be an experienced Engineer capable of supporting research projects and working independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to improve transportation safety through cutting-edge research. We are building a highly capable team with experience and interests in transportation-related areas such as automated vehicle systems, connected vehicle systems and related technologies (DSRC, C-V2X, 5G), infrastructure technology (smart cities), and vulnerable road users.

The candidate should have an aptitude for working with complex technological systems, applying appropriate data analysis techniques, developing robust solutions, and interpreting and communicating results.

At the Research Associate Rank, the candidate will contribute to all phases of transportation research projects, including:
* Project conceptualization and design during the technical proposal development phase (creation of work plans, protocols, and procedures)
* Assist in the composition of literature reviews
* Product research, development, testing, and evaluation (e.g., gathering validation data, analyzing metrics to make assessments about functionality, /reliability, accuracy, and usability of specific systems)
* Executing technical project tasks, including hands-on data collection, performing data analysis, and developing conclusions
* Performing project management tasks, including interfacing with internal teams,
external customers as well as managing project timelines and budget
* Project closeout activities including final deliverable development and sponsor presentations

At the Senior Research Associate Rank, the candidate will contribute to all phases of transportation project and lead key aspects, including:
* Project conceptualization and design during the technical proposal development phase (creation of work plans, protocols, and procedures)
* Composition of literature reviews
* Product research and evaluation (e.g. gathering validation data, analyzing metrics to make assessments about functionality and usability of specific systems)
* Executing technical project tasks, including leading hands-on data collection, performing data analysis, and developing conclusions
* Performing project management tasks, including managing the day-today operations of research projects, interfacing with internal teams &, external customers as well as managing project timelines and budget
* Project closeout activities including final deliverable development and sponsor presentations.
* May be eligible to serve in a co-principal investigator capacity, and works towards the objective as serving as a principal investigator
* May supervise the work of graduate students, staff or junior faculty members.

The candidate will be empowered to independently lead research projects with demonstrated success over time, providing key opportunities for advancement and career growth.

Required Qualifications

* Research Associate Rank will require a Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Data Science. Candidates with a lesser degree and significant experience in lieu of master's degree will also be considered
* Senior Research Associate Rank will require a PhD in Systems Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Data Science.

General:
* Demonstrable experience in transportation research or equivalent experience within a related field
* Firm understanding of engineering principles needed to analyze, verify, and interpret technology and safety research.
* Experience designing and executing research protocols. Experience writing reports and collecting data.
* Experience participating in cross-functional teams
* Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
* Ability to manage, influence, negotiate, and communicate with stakeholders, external business partners, and internal teams to meet project goals
* Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

* Familiarity with automated vehicle systems and connected infrastructure (e.g., smart cities technologies)
* Proficient in data collection, processing, and statistical analysis (e.g., Matlab, SAS, R, Python, etc.).
* Project Management experience, qualified to lead project teams and oversee project schedule, budgets, and deliverables.
* Experience with technical proposal development
* Some programming background.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Research Associate rank starting at $60,000; commensurate with experience. Sr. Research Associate starting at $90,000; commensurate with experience.

Review Date

8/24/2023

Additional Information

Criminal Conviction Check Required | Driver's License Check Required | While this position is expected to be onsite, the department is willing to consider a hybrid or remote options

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.