Experienced Pavement and Materials Researcher

at  Texas AM Transportation Institute

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in a TTI Texas based office. This can be discussed further during the interview process.
• The salary range for this position is $90K - $100K. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

JOB SUMMARY

Seeking a qualified applicant to fill a full-time researcher position with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) in the Pavement and Materials Division. TTI is a premier transportation research institution, with over $70M in annual research expenditures, 700 employees, and recognition at state, national, and international levels.
The primary research topic you will work on is the relationship of asphalt mixture properties to pavement surface friction and texture. Other topics you may be involved in are pavement widening best practices, pavement forensics, and material characterization.
You will take a lead in directing research activities on existing research projects, including supervision of students and staff. You are expected to then serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on new projects, and to lead research and proposal development. You will be responsible for utilizing, adapting and modifying scientific methods, techniques and procedures in the independent conception, design and implementation of research projects. Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of funding derived from research program or specific projects.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in civil engineering or related field. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• 5 years of related professional experience
• Experience serving as a PI or Co-PI on a research project.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability and skills to conduct quality research and technical work:
• Work as an independent fully functional researcher.
• Develop research work plans.
• Develop, implement, and monitor budgets.
• Direct data gathering, organization, and processing tasks.
• Meet deadlines and deliverable due dates.
• Technical knowledge and skills:
• Principles and practices of unbiased research.
• Technical writing and ability to use word processing tools.
• Familiarity with various laboratory and field test procedures.
• Knowledge of pavement materials, and construction and management practices.
• Ability to keep technical skills relevant and learn new skills.
• Salary coverage:
• After two years, able to cover salary plus that of more junior staff.
• Marketing and business development skills:
• Liaise with sponsors to identify existing research opportunities.
• Write/lead proposals.
• Communicate and promote research findings.
• Take initiative to find emerging opportunities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• As needed, ability to work in a laboratory and field environment for several hours.
  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with pavement friction and texture test protocols and equipment for both laboratory and field settings.
• Knowledge of pavement material and tire-surface interaction physics.
• Authored a journal publication and presented on a relevant topic.
  All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
  Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate data collection activities (20%). Includes:
• Fabricating asphalt slab samples in the laboratory and measuring friction and texture after polishing with simulated traffic.
• Establishing field test sections and monitoring friction and texture.
• Developing models correlating laboratory and field friction performance.
• Assemble and organize data from a variety of sources. (10%)
• Synthesize data and extract meaningful statistics, trends, and models. (15%)
• Develop implementable policies, procedures, and recommendations. (10%)
• Manage, communicate, and coordinate with research staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and support staff. (10%)
• Author or co-author reports and scholarly publications. (10%)
• Prepare and present materials for sponsors and other technical meetings (5%)
• Lead in the preparation of proposals for new research. (10%)
• Interact with sponsors and potential clients. (5%)