Research Associate-VTTI

Job Description

There are jobs. Then there are careers that foster you to be a force for good in the world. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is a world-leading safety research center working with car companies, suppliers, and government agencies to bring about the safe development and deployment of advanced vehicles and solutions on our roadways. Transportation is under transformation, so every day we are approaching problems differently to make a difference in the world (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA)

The successful candidate will manage automotive and transportation research projects; working closely with several key domain experts in coordinating activities within the Division for Data & Analytics. Candidate will independently plan, schedule, conduct, track and facilitate multiple research and administrative tasks. Contribute to research proposal development, resource acquisition, asset allocation and logistics, timeline tracking, and budget tracking. Interact with sponsors. Prepare reports and presentations. Organize, attend, and participate in project meetings. Candidate will manage and optimize workload by tracking the allocation of time and materials for each project. The ability to simultaneously manage many separate projects and tasks, as well as shift tasks as necessary to address unexpected issues while minimizing disruption to other tasks, is required. This position will hold the special research faculty rank of Research Associate.

Duties and responsibilities:
• Supports project managers in conducting advanced vehicle research projects including the preparation of study materials (e.g., study protocols and other study-related documents, IRB applications and amendments)
• Interact with participants to gather information and data, conduct screenings and obtain consent/assent strictly adhering to IRB protocols
• Manage project budgets to ensure work can be completed on-time and within budget
• Work with faculty and staff to standardize project documentation procedures
• Interacts with research faculty on a project-by-project basis. Provide training to junior staff as it relates to data collection and data analysis
• Responsible for day-to-day project management of multiple projects and administrative tasks
• Organize, attend, and participate in meetings.
• Participate in work groups as appropriate
• Contributes to proposal development
• Contributes to budgets and report development
• Responsible for day-to-day fiscal activities (labor distribution and purchase allocation)
• IRB preparation/submission
• Reporting/tracking
• Research analysis (including video reduction and analysis)
• Data Collection (including the preparation of study vehicles and driving during data collection efforts.
• Complete other administrative assignments as directed

Directions given and received:
Direction, feedback, and communication occur via multiple formats and environments. The successful candidate will supervise/mentor/provide training and coordinate the work of research assistants, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments. Seeks out technical guidance from counterparts on unusual or unfamiliar problems. Work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment.

Required Qualifications

-Master’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Psychology or related field. An exception for a lesser degree with significant related experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree.
-Demonstrated significant project management experience in conducting complex projects in an academic or research environment
-Creative, independent, and highly motivated, with good communication skills
-Strong work habits and the ability to work independently and with a team
-Strong organizational skills
-Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple tasks and administrative duties
-Demonstrated evidence of effective documentation habits.
-Ability to plan and implement research activities efficiently and effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

-Project Management Professional certification.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

9/10/2021

Additional Information

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Lisa Eichelberger at lisae@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 12, 2021
Applications close: