Research Scholar, Roadway Safety

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave

Tuition Assistance

Childcare benefits

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University in Raleigh is hiring a Research Scholar specializing in Roadway Safety. The role involves leading multidisciplinary research initiatives and managing transportation safety projects aimed at reducing fatalities. Candidates should possess a master’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience in transportation safety or related fields.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule and competitive benefits, including health and retirement plans. The successful applicant will work closely with various stakeholders to implement evidence-based safety strategies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field with at least five years of relevant experience.
• Experience leading or supporting sponsored research projects.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead transportation safety research initiatives focused on reducing fatalities.
• Manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations.

Skills

Project management

Quantitative analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Written communication

Technical reporting

Education

Master’s degree in engineering, transportation planning, or data analytics

Tools

GIS

SQL

Python

R

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Posting Number

PG194729EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Research Scholar, Roadway Safety

Anticipated Hiring Range

$85,000 - $100,000

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, hybrid eligible

Job Location

Raleigh, North Carolina

Department

Institute For Transportation Research & Education

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.

What we offer:

• 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.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

This Research Scholar position will lead and manage multidisciplinary transportation safety research initiatives focused on reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries through data‑driven analysis, implementation support, and stakeholder collaboration.

The position requires independent judgment, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations for practitioners, agencies, and decision‑makers.

This position is responsible for advancing data‑driven strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries within a Vision Zero / Safe System framework. The Research Scholar will serve in a leadership role supporting applied research, implementation, and program development activities related to roadway safety and transportation operations.

In leading the development, execution, and management of transportation safety research projects and technical assistance initiatives, primary responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and deliverables.
• Leading or supporting proposal preparation activities, including technical writing, budgeting, coordination with partners, and sponsor engagement.
• Supervising, mentoring, and coordinating the work of research staff, graduate students, and student assistants.
• Conducting and overseeing quantitative analyses using crash data, exposure metrics, roadway inventory data, vehicle telematics, operational data, and related transportation datasets.
• Developing analytical methods, tools, and performance measures to evaluate roadway safety strategies and initiatives.
• Applying rigorous analytical approaches to identify systemic risk factors associated with roadway design, road user behavior, vehicle performance, and post‑crash care.
• Supporting implementation of Safe System and Vision Zero principles through evidence‑based practice and cross‑sector collaboration.
• Coordinating with transportation agencies, local governments, law enforcement, public health professionals, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Translating technical findings into actionable guidance, recommendations, reports, and presentations for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Evaluating the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost‑benefit of proposed safety interventions and operational strategies.
• Supporting the development of technical guidance documents, research publications, training materials, and implementation resources.
• Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, conferences, and professional committees as appropriate.
• Contribute to the strategic growth and development of transportation safety research programs and partnerships.

Other Responsibilities

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Managing project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client communications
• Coordinating interdisciplinary research teams and external collaborators
• Developing and delivering technical presentations, workshops, and training materials
• Conducting literature reviews and state‑of‑the‑practice assessments
• Supporting stakeholder outreach and engagement activities
• Overseeing field data collection efforts and field equipment installation/removal
• Supporting publication development, conference presentations, and implementation activities

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering, transportation planning, public administration, economics, data analytics, or a related field, along with at least five years of relevant research or professional experience in transportation safety, transportation operations, or related disciplines.

Other Required Qualifications

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience leading or supporting sponsored research projects
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff and/or students
• Technical proficiency in quantitative analysis and transportation data evaluation
• Ability to independently develop technical reports, presentations, and deliverables
• Experience interacting with clients or external partners

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. and/or progressively responsible experience in applied transportation research, project management, and proposal development
• Experience leading proposal development and sponsor engagement activities
• Knowledge of Safe System and Vision Zero principles
• Experience working with transportation agencies, municipalities, MPOs, or public‑sector organizations
• Experience with roadway safety analysis methods and transportation operations analyses
• Meeting facilitation and stakeholder engagement experience
• Experience with statistical analysis, GIS, Python, R, SQL, PostgreSQL, or web application development
• Experience managing research budgets, schedules, and deliverables
• Publication and presentation experience in transportation or safety‑related fields
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure is desirable

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Job Open Date

06/23/2026

Anticipated Close Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Number

00112141

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.00

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

062001 - Institute For Transportation Research & Education

EEO Statement

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.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

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.