Research Associate

Texas A&M University; Bryan (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage options

Benefits program

Job summary

Texas A&M Transportation Institute in Bryan, TX seeks a Research Associate to perform engineering research, data collection, ML programming, and modeling. The role includes significant fieldwork, data synthesis, and report writing, with travel required and no hybrid option.

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have at least two years of related experience. Final salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience; expect a competitive benefits package and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least two years of related experience.
• Proficiency in Python and ML programming for data analysis.
• Ability to travel for fieldwork and meet project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Fieldwork travels to collect data and support field operations (≥51%).
• Process, analyze, synthesize data and perform quality checks.
• Develop machine learning algorithms and related code.
• Build computational models and run numerical simulations.
• Review literature and support data search activities.
• Document data, create reports and proposals.
• Assist with laboratory work and material testing as needed.

Skills

Python coding

Machine Learning

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title

Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Transportation Institute Department Pavement Analytics

Job Type

Staff

Salary

Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate

Location

Bryan, Texas

What you need to know

TTI is a Texas based agency. The primary duty station for this position will be TTI RELLIS campus in Bryan, TX - 1111 Rellis Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807. Due to the nature of this position, there is not a hybrid remote option available. 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. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Job Summary

The general purpose of this position is to independently perform and assist with engineering and technical research work, namely: (a) data collection and analysis; (b) machine learning-programming and algorithmic code development; (c) literature review and data search; (d) computational modeling and numerical simulations; (e) literature review and data search; (f) data synthesis and quality checks; (g) data documentation, cataloguing, and report/proposal writing; and (h) field work as well laboratory work, as needed. Periodic travels (i.e., over 50% of the total work effort) will be required for routine fieldwork and data collection. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance.

Essential Duties

• Fieldwork travels and data collection (51%)
• Data processing, analysis, synthesis, and quality checks (15%)
• Machine learning programing and algorithmic code development (10%)
• Computational modeling and numerical simulations (5%)
• Literature review and data search (5%)
• Data documentation and report/ proposal writing (5%)
• Laboratory work and material testing, as needed (2.5%)
• Routinely assist Senior Researchers, as needed (2.5%)
• Performs other duties as assigned (2.5%)
• Assist with the supervision of student workers, as needed (1.5%)

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Two years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering related field (preferably Civil Engineering)
• Two years of related experience including fieldwork and data analysis
• Proficiency in Python coding, Machine Learning programing, and data analysis experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability and flexibility to routinely travel for fieldwork
• Ability and flexibility to work beyond normal business hours, on weekends, and/or at night, as needed
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
• Proficiency in automation tools (such as Python) and Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Valid USA Class C driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift moderately heavy objects (i.e., up to 50 lbs) as needed

Ability to exert heavy force (i.e., up to 50 lbs), as needed

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Security and Background Checks

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/Veterans/Disability Employer

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M‑Fort Worth and Texas A&M‑RELLIS. The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee. Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees. External Applicants - Applicants not currently employed by a Texas A&M System member may Search Postings and apply for positions within one or more A&M System members by selecting the job posting. Internal Applicants - This site lists job postings throughout The Texas A&M University System. It is intended for applicants not currently employed by a member of the system. Current employees should apply for jobs on the Internal Career site. The Texas A&M System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.

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/