Technical Assistant II (UMATC)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Technical Assistant II (UMATC) in Amherst. This 4-month appointment offers hybrid or remote work arrangements and a full-time schedule within Academic Affairs and the Engineering division.

The role focuses on data analysis, data cleaning, and preparing datasets and deliverables for highway safety research projects. Candidates will use SQL, R, Python, and GIS tools to support reporting and stakeholder materials.

Qualifications

• Experience in transportation, traffic engineering, human factors, data science, public health, statistics, regulatory, public policy, or enforcement.
• Experience conducting data cleaning, validation, and basic statistical analysis.
• Ability to interpret data and communicate findings clearly through written reports and visualizations.
• Experience working on deliverable-based projects.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Ability to be a self-starter and carry through assignments with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as organizational and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data analysis using transportation safety datasets to support research objectives.
• Clean, validate, and prepare datasets for analysis with quality checks and reproducible workflows.
• Develop tables, figures, maps, and summaries to support reports and presentations.
• Draft and contribute to technical reports, white papers, and research briefs with clear findings.
• Support literature reviews and technical scans; summarize findings to inform project tasks.
• Apply established statistical methods under supervision of senior staff.
• Assist in the development of exposure-based metrics and performance measures for safety analysis.
• Utilize SQL and other tools (R, Python, GIS) to query, manage, and analyze large datasets.
• Support GIS-based analysis, including mapping and visualization of safety data.
• Maintain organized documentation for reproducibility.
• Prepare materials for meetings, conferences, and stakeholder briefings.

Skills

Data analysis

SQL

R

Python

GIS

Data cleaning

Report writing

Communication

Tools

GIS software

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Job Summary

The Technical Assistant will provide assistance and support for highway safety research projects through data analysis, technical execution, and development of project deliverables. This is a 4‑month appointment; continuation is contingent on funding.

Title: Technical Assistant II (UMATC)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Engineering

Department: UMass Trans Ctr

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid or Remote

Essential Functions

• Conduct data analysis using transportation safety datasets (e.g., crash, roadway, enforcement, citation data) to support research objectives and reporting needs.
• Clean, validate, and prepare datasets for analysis, including quality checks, documentation, and reproducible workflows.
• Develop tables, figures, maps, and summaries to support technical reports, presentations, and stakeholder materials.
• Draft and contribute to technical reports, white papers, and research briefs, translating analytical results into clear, structured findings.
• Support literature reviews and technical scans; summarize findings to inform project tasks and recommendations.
• Apply established statistical methods and analytical approaches under the direction of senior research staff.
• Assist in the development and application of exposure‑based metrics and performance measures for safety analysis.
• Utilize SQL and other analytical tools (e.g., R, Python, GIS) to query, manage, and analyze large datasets.
• Support GIS‑based analysis, including mapping, spatial joins, and visualization of safety data.
• Maintain organized documentation of data sources, methodologies, and analytical processes to ensure reproducibility.
• Assist with preparation of presentations and materials for meetings, conferences, and stakeholder briefings.

Other Functions

All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in transportation, traffic engineering, human factors, data science, public health, statistics, regulatory, public policy, or enforcement.
• Experience conducting data cleaning, validation, and basic statistical analysis.
• Ability to interpret data and communicate findings clearly through written reports and visualizations.
• Experience working on deliverable‑based projects.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Ability to be a self‑starter and carry through assignments with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as organizational and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with data analysis tools such as SQL, R, Python, Excel, or similar.
• Knowledge of specific program activities.
• Ability to coordinate grant‑funded activities in a university environment.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday – Friday within standard working hours.

This 4‑month appointment; continuation is contingent on funding.

Hybrid work schedule is available, where work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for part of the week. This position is subject to the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement.

Remote work schedule is available, where the employee’s work location is outside the UMass Amherst campus. This position is also subject to the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 14

Click here to view the classified step scale.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three professional references.

This position will remain open for the period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.