Research Associate, Roadway Safety

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Work-life balance initiatives

Job summary

NC State University is looking for a Research Associate for roadway safety research based in Raleigh, NC. This position includes conducting data analyses and providing technical assistance related to transportation safety.

With a focus on collaboration and problem-solving, you'll support initiatives aimed at reducing road fatalities and enhancing safety performances within the Vision Zero framework. The role offers a hybrid work schedule and a competitive salary range of $74,000 - $85,000.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, transportation planning, public administration, economics, data analytics, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with data analysis and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support transportation safety research and technical assistance activities.
• Conduct quantitative analyses using crash and operational data.
• Assist with preparation of technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration

Written communication

Verbal communication

Data analysis

Technical documentation

Education

Master’s degree in engineering, transportation planning, public administration, economics, data analytics, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

Python

R

SQL

PostgreSQL

Job description

Research Associate, Roadway Safety

Anticipated Hiring Range: $74,000 - $85,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; hybrid work schedule eligible

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

About the Department

The Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) is a North Carolina State University institutional research center.

Located within the University’s visionary Centennial Campus, ITRE conducts surface, water, and air transportation research, while providing professional training and educational opportunities. ITRE collaborates with other University of North Carolina (UNC) system campuses and partners with transportation professionals around the globe.

ITRE was authorized by the NC General Assembly in 1976 and chartered by the UNC System Board of Governors in 1978. ITRE operated fully as an inter‑institutional unit of the UNC System until 1992 when it moved to NC State’s campus. From 1992 to 2012, ITRE continued to operate as a multi‑campus institute, reporting to the UNC System office for strategic direction with administrative support and oversight from NC State. Since 2012, ITRE has operated as an NC State institute in all respects.

ITRE is a university‑based institute committed to leadership in the study of surface and air transportation issues through fostering analytical thinking, integrating technology in education and research, serving as a catalyst for problem solving, and cultivating professionals and students dedicated to excellence in transportation.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work‑life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties

This Research Associate supports transportation safety research and technical assistance activities focused on improving roadway safety outcomes through data analysis, applied research, and stakeholder collaboration. The position assists with the development and implementation of analytical methods, tools, and evaluations related to roadway safety initiatives, transportation operations, and Safe System strategies. The Research Associate will contribute to technical analyses, research tasks, report preparation, and implementation support activities under the guidance of senior research staff and project managers.

This position supports data‑driven strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries within a Vision Zero / Safe System framework. The Research Associate will assist with applied transportation safety research, technical assistance, and implementation support activities.

• Conducting quantitative analyses using crash data, roadway inventory data, exposure metrics, operational data, vehicle telematics, and related transportation datasets.
• Assisting with development of analytical methods, tools, and performance measures to evaluate roadway safety initiatives and strategies.
• Supporting identification and evaluation of systemic roadway safety risk factors associated with roadway design, road user behavior, vehicle performance, and post‑crash care.
• Assisting with preparation of technical reports, memoranda, presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders in engineering, planning, public health, public policy, law enforcement, and related fields.
• Translating technical findings into clear and actionable information for practitioners and project stakeholders.
• Assisting with evaluation of the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed safety interventions and operational strategies.
• Participating in field data collection, implementation support, and related technical activities as needed.
• Supporting proposal development, research documentation, and implementation activities under the direction of senior staff.

Other Responsibilities

• Supporting literature reviews and state‑of‑the‑practice assessments
• Assisting with stakeholder outreach and coordination activities
• Assisting with development of training materials, workshops, and implementation resources
• Supporting data management, visualization, and documentation activities
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering, transportation planning, public administration, economics, data analytics, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with data analysis and technical documentation
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related analytical software tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Safe System and Vision Zero principles
• Experience with transportation safety or transportation operations analyses
• Experience working with transportation‑related datasets
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, GIS, Python, R, SQL, PostgreSQL, or related analytical tools
• Experience supporting research or technical projects
• Experience with stakeholder engagement or public‑sector collaboration
• Previous experience in a transportation agency, consulting, municipal, or research environment

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Equal Employment Opportunity

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.