Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV, Center for Transportation Research in Cockrell School of Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Transportation Research is seeking a Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV to advance transportation research on emerging mobility technologies and program innovations for state agencies and TxDOT.

The role leads strategic initiatives, coordinates with CTR researchers and sponsors, and develops grant proposals while mentoring student researchers in a dynamic engineering environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in transportation engineering, public policy, or related field.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Experience with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and/or other transportation agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present transportation research information to a large audience.

Responsibilities

• Leads and assists in several strategic innovations, implementation, and planning projects as well as workforce development program management.
• Works closely with CTR researchers, TxDOT, and other project sponsors.
• Represents CTR at key forums, oversees meetings, facilitates planning, policy analysis, and writing publications.
• Develops grant applications and builds networks of subject matter experts.
• Supervises undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

Education

Master’s degree in transportation engineering, public policy, or related field

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV, Center for Transportation Research in Cockrell School of Engineering

Hiring Department: Center for Transportation Research

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2027

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details:

General Notes As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin - named "America's Coolest City" by Expedia and "The Best Place to Live in the U.S." by U.S. News and World Report - the Cockrell School embodies the city's innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders. UT Austin, recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, provides outstanding employee benefits and total rewards packages that include:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Purpose:

The Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV (RESA IV) role is to conduct transportation-related research within the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) on emerging mobility technologies and program innovations for use by government agencies, including local and regional Texas transportation agencies and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Responsibilities:

• Leads and assists in several strategic innovations, implementation, and planning projects as well as workforce development program management.
• Works closely with other CTR researchers, TxDOT and other project sponsors, as well as Texas transportation agencies.
• Represents CTR at key forums, oversees project meetings, facilitates meetings, strategic planning, policy analysis, writing publications, and forming technical and policy recommendations for Texas transportation leadership.
• Develops grant applications, builds a network of subject matter experts, and updates an emerging technology portfolio.
• Supervises undergraduate and graduate research assistants in conducting research activities.
• Coordinates research proposal writing and report preparation.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in transportation engineering, public policy, or related field AND Four (4) years of experience relevant experience.
• Prior experience working with the Texas Department of Transportation and/or other transportation agencies.
• Technology evaluation and strategic planning, preference for connected and autonomous vehicles.
• Policy analysis skills.
• Knowledge in, and experience with, public affairs.
• Experience working with teams of engineers, planners, and community organizations.
• Experience writing professional research papers and grant applications.
• Comfort in presenting transportation research information to a large audience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of Texas transportation and regional mobility.
• Experience with topics complementary to transportation that are influenced by mobility decisions (freight, active transportation, equity, housing, etc.).
• Understanding of professional and technical writing techniques.

Salary Range $80,000+ depending on qualifications

Work Conditions Work is performed in a standard office environment. Repetitive use of keyboard at workstation. Initial appointment is for a year and extension is based on funding and performance.

Employment Eligibility Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency: The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to present no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures.

Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus