Applied Research Coordinator 2026-02341

State of Wyoming; Cheyenne (WY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus $2,000

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays

Retirement – Pension and 457B

Flexible schedules

Meaningful work

Job summary

State of Wyoming's WYDOT Innovation, Research, and Asset Performance (IRAP) program seeks an Applied Research Coordinator to oversee the full lifecycle of transportation research from idea to implementation. This role chairs the Research Advisory Committee and collaborates with university researchers and WYDOT project champions to deliver high-value outcomes.

Key duties include evaluating proposals, administering contracts, tracking milestones and budgets, ensuring timely delivery, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (typically in Business) is required.
• 0-3 years of progressive work experience in a related field (Grants/Contracts preferred).

Responsibilities

• Organizes and leads biannual RAC meetings and chairs the committee.
• Reviews proposals, integrates feedback, conducts literature searches.
• Sets milestones with researchers and monitors progress.
• Reviews draft reports for technical accuracy and recommendations.
• Tracks implementation of results and prepares annual report.

Skills

Effective communication

Professional relationships

Contract administration

Organization

Project management

Facilitation

Office tools

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Database reporting basics

Job description

WYDOT’s Innovation, Research, and Asset Performance (IRAP) Program is seeking a driven professional to serve as our Applied Research Coordinator. In this role, you’ll oversee the entire lifecycle of WYDOT's research initiatives from idea to implementation. This unique opportunity will allow you to use your talent and passion to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world transportation improvements. This position serves as chairperson of WYDOT’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC), working closely with university researchers and WYDOT project champions to deliver high value transportation research outcomes. Key responsibilities of this position include evaluating incoming project proposals, administering contracts, ensuring timely project delivery, and monitoring WYDOT’s annual research budget. Most importantly, though, this role has the opportunity to translate theoretical research into tangible, real-world value by ensuring research results are implemented. Collaborate with IRAP staff and WYDOT program managers to define, execute, and measure specific implementation strategies for all conducted research. Join us, and help execute a vision that transforms innovative research into a smarter, safer, and more efficient transportation system for Wyoming.

Cheyenne is a steadily growing community along the Front Range but still true to the history of the Old West. The city offers nearby mountain biking, skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Wyoming is one of only nine states with no state income tax.

This position offers:

• $2,000 Hiring Bonus; See notes for eligibility
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement – Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: 307-777-4356

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Organizes and leads biannual meetings of the WYDOT Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and serve as chairperson
• Reviews incoming research proposals and problem statements, integrate feedback from Program Managers, and conducts comprehensive literature searches to verify research originality
• Works with researchers to establish project milestones and schedules and monitors progress
• Provides quality control review of draft research project reports to ensure technical accuracy, proper formatting, and actionable recommendations
• Monitors and tracks the implementation of research project results and develops simple metrics to measure savings to the Department from implemented research culminating in the publication of an annual research implementation report
• Focuses on implementing critical research to maximize the benefit to WYDOT
• Collaborates with IRAP and Agency Services staff to provide implementation support to ensure research results are put into practice
• Monitors the research program annual budget, tracks active project costs, forecasts future expenditures, and evaluates fee proposals and changes orders for approval
• Represents the Program/Department at regional and national transportation research groups, including TRB, NCHRP, and AASHTO and network with other state DOTs to foster cross-state collaboration
• Encourages internal innovation at WYDOT by supporting in-house research studies, product evaluations, and experimental training activities
• Researches emerging trends and identifies new opportunities in the transportation sector
• Collaborates with WYDOT internal programs and build relationships with outside entities, including research institutions and vendors
• Coordinates with WYDOT programs on responses to nationwide studies to ensure the Department provides accurate and timely input
• Initiates and drafts research contracts and amendments, coordinating with the WYDOT Grants and Contracts Policy Program and the Attorney General’s office for final approval

PREFERENCES

• Preference may be given to candidates with a proven ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across all levels of the Department, the public, and key stakeholder groups.
• Regular, in-person interaction with the IRAP team is a requirement for this position; however, a hybrid remote schedule may be negotiated for highly qualified candidates living outside of Cheyenne.

KNOWLEDGE

• Skill in effective communication across varied groups and individuals and with proficiency in technical writing
• A positive, team-oriented mindset with a proven ability to develop strong professional relationships
• Knowledge of basic contract administration and financial management principles
• Highly organized with the self-motivation to manage multiple priorities
• Project management expertise necessary to oversee multiple simultaneous projects, track milestones, and ensure timely deliverables
• Ability to facilitate and lead formal technical meetings
• Proficiency with everyday office tools (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace), and basic database reporting

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Business)

Experience: 0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in Business) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Grants and Contracts Administration Specialist II

OR

Education & ExperienceSubstitution: 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Business) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Grants and Contracts Administration Specialist II

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional overnight travel may be required.

NOTES

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• E-Verify: WYDOT uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
• The Wyoming Department of Transportation is a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Qualifying eligibility and criteria for the hiring bonus
  • Acceptance of a permanent, full-time position posted for public recruitment
  • Temporary employees accepting a full-time position
  • Current employees accepting a promotional opportunity - recruitment must have been opened to the public
  • One year of service to WYDOT must be completed, failure to complete this requirement will forfeit the hiring incentive, and funds will be recouped from final pay.
  • Internal candidates would be required to remain in the position for a minimum of one (1) year from their promotion date.
  • Employees would only be eligible for one (1) hiring bonus in a 12-month period.
  • If the employee elects to downgrade through an active recruitment and/or appointment during the twelve (12) month period, they would be required to pay the bonus back.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.