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Research Assoc / Research Scholar

Job Description

Posting Number

PG193893EP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Research Assoc / Research Scholar

Anticipated Hiring Range

$70,000 - $95,000

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Hybrid schedule eligible

Job Location

Raleigh, North Carolina

Department

IInstitute For Transportation Research & Education

About the Department

ITRE is an inter-institutional research center administered by North Carolina State University. Located within the University’s visionary Centennial Campus, ITRE conducts surface, water, and air transportation research, while providing professional training and educational opportunities. The Institute serves all 16 statewide campuses in the University of North Carolina (UNC) system and partners with transportation professionals around the globe.

The Travel Behavior Modeling Group conducts travel behavior related research, and within the group, the Triangle Regional Model Service Bureau (TRMSB) develops and maintains the Triangle Regional Model (TRM); the travel demand model for the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. The Triangle region is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and the TRM model has been used to analyze policies and investment strategies in Metropolitan Transportation Plans to address challenges that come with growth. The model has been used to evaluate land use scenarios, toll facilities, high occupancy toll lanes, and various transit investment options, such as Light Rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit. The region has invested in extensive data collection efforts to support developing the model including household travel surveys in 1995, 2006, and 2016, transit on board surveys, a commercial vehicle survey, and a parking behavior survey. These and other data sources make it possible in the future to develop new and improved modeling tools for the region.

Essential Job Duties

Research Scholar ($85,000-$95,000)

Responsible for day to day management of technical work related to the development and application of the Triangle Regional Model, an advanced trip-based model. The work will require the formulation of, and oversight for developing, updating and applying travel demand models, including developing input data, model application methods, calibration and validation, model reporting, analyzing and visualizing outputs. The ability to integrate model results into project or policy analyses in a team environment will also be required. Responsibilities will include tracking task progress, presenting technical findings, and ensuring deadlines are met. This position will support junior staff in the statistical analysis of traffic and travel survey data, and documenting and presenting methodologies and results. This position requires a solid understanding of travel modeling and systems analysis, and the ability to effectively manage a technical work program.

Responsibilities of this position include:
  • Serve as the technical team lead for the Triangle Regional Model, including the exploration and implementation of model enhancements, data analytics, and model application.
  • Lead the design of data collection, analysis and interpretation of data used to support transportation modeling and travel forecasting.
  • Prepare correspondence and reports regarding project work and deliverables.
  • Make presentations to clients, government officials, and industry representatives.
  • Stay abreast of industry changes and requirements, policies, procedures and legislation.
  • Pursue and win new research projects, either as standalone projects or as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Research Associate ($70,000-$80,000)

Participate in the development, application and interpretation of the Triangle Regional Model, an advanced trip-based model. Work involves preparing and verifying input data, estimating models, running models, and analyzing and creating output visualization. Integrating these results into project or policy analyses in a team environment will be required. Responsibilities will also include the statistical analysis of traffic and travel survey data under the direction of senior staff members, and the documenting and presenting the methodologies and results. This position will be responsible for aiding in the development and use of innovative systems planning and analysis techniques using a wide array of tools. This position is responsible for the development of quantitative and qualitative tools for evaluating the complex interaction of economics, land use, market forces, environmental constraints, demographics, and travel supply and demand.

Responsibilities of this position include:
  • Conduct technical analysis related to the Triangle Regional Model and the Triangle STOPS model, including the exploration and implementation of model enhancements, data analytics, and model application.
  • Participate in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data used to support travel modeling, STOPS modeling, and transportation systems analysis.
  • Develop computer programs to support the application of the TRM or to facilitate the reporting of key metrics for model users.
  • Prepare correspondence and reports regarding project work and deliverables.
  • Make presentations to team members and clients.
  • Provide training to junior level team members or agency planning staff.
  • Stay abreast of industry changes and requirements, policies, and procedures.
  • Participate in the pursuit of new research projects.
  • Conduct research activities.

Other Responsibilities

The position is expected to include some travel each year, including national conferences.

Minimum Education and Experience

Research Scholar:
MS/MA in civil engineering, urban planning, or closely related field. Must have 5-8 years of experience showing increasing levels of responsibility in transportation systems analysis or travel forecasting projects.

Research Associate:
MS/MA in civil engineering, urban planning, or closely related field. Minimum of 3 years of experience in travel modeling, transportation systems analysis, or related field.

Other Required Qualifications

  • Ability to assist in the development of research proposals related to transportation systems analysis.
  • Research Scholar: The applicant must possess good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively with both technical and managerial members the TRM team.
  • Research Associate:The applicant must also possess strong written and oral communication and research skills, as demonstrated in published or academic research products.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with STATA, R, Python, TransCAD, GISDK, STOPS, GitHub, and Asana
  • Coursework and a graduate thesis involving innovative systems analysis techniques
  • Graduate coursework in statistical analysis

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Job Open Date

01/13/2025

Anticipated Close Date

Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Required documents: 1. Cover letter 2. Resume 3. Contact information for three professional references

Position Number

00108417

Position Type

Exempt Professional Staff

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

0.75 to 1.0

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

AA/EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

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.

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