Research Associate, Connected Accessibility for Individuals and Regions

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in urban planning seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to enhance transportation accessibility through innovative research. This role involves project management, stakeholder engagement, and developing strategies to optimize accessibility in connected mobility systems. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence transportation planning in rural regions while collaborating closely with faculty and peers. This position not only offers the chance to contribute to impactful research but also potential teaching opportunities, making it ideal for those passionate about urban and environmental planning.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Urban Planning or related field is required.
• Experience in accessibility-centered transportation planning is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the CAIR project and collaborate on research design.
• Conduct travel behavior analysis focusing on accessibility.

Skills

Accessibility-centered transportation planning

Travel behavior research

Collaboration with engineers and computer scientists

Publishing peer-reviewed articles

Education

Ph.D. in Urban Planning

Ph.D. in Transportation

Ph.D. in a related field

Job description

The Department of Urban and Environmental Planning (DUEP) at the University of Virginia School of Architecture seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to collaborate with Prof. Andrew Mondschein on the Connected Accessibility for Individuals and Regions (CAIR) project.

Overview: CAIR examines approaches to enhance transportation accessibility within connected mobility and regional infrastructure systems. The project focuses on integrating individual-level decision-making and community-level planning within connected mobility systems to improve economic, social, and wellbeing outcomes for residents, particularly in rural regions.

Responsibilities:

• Overall project management, collaborating with PI on research design and implementation
• Travel behavior analysis to understand accessibility and activity patterns with an emphasis on polycentric regions
• Stakeholder interviews to assess needs and opportunities
• Develop implementation scenarios for accessibility optimizations

Additionally, the position offers potential opportunities for teaching in the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning, with a focus on transportation courses.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Urban Planning, Transportation, or a related field.
• Strong background in accessibility-centered transportation planning and the effects of emerging technologies on transportation and cities.
• Experience in conducting travel behavior research and collaborating with engineers and computer scientists.
• Proven track record of publishing peer-reviewed articles on related topics.

Anticipated start date: June 1, 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. For more information on benefits available to post docs at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu/resources/incoming-postdocs/benefits.

This position is located in Charlottesville, VA.

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check prior to their first day of employment per university policy.

To Apply:

Please apply through Careers at UVA, and search for R0071339. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’ or through their “Jobs Hub’. Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV
• Contact Information for three references

***Please note that you MUST upload ALL documents into the CV/Resume box. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration.***

Contact Information:

Andrew Mondschein, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Urban and Environmental Planning, [e-mail]

For questions about the application process, please contact Karon Harrington, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see Charlottesville & Beyond and Embark Central Virginia.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.