Job Description
Purpose
The Transportation Research Center Inc. is seeking to hire a Research Scientist to lead and support research and testing efforts investigating the safety of road vehicles and advanced technologies including active safety and driving automation systems with a focus on driver interactions, perceptions, and behaviors. Research topics may include, but are not limited to, driver interaction with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems, driver distraction, and driver impairment. Responsibilities will include research design, problem identification, the development of test procedures and guidelines, experimental conduct, data processing and analysis, statistical analysis, and report writing/publication.
Job requirements include a Ph.D. in human factors engineering, psychology, or another related field; experience designing experiments, conducting human factors experiments, and performing processing and analysis of experimental data; developing test procedures and guidelines; experience developing questionnaires and/or surveys; and experience conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis with statistical package (SAS, R, SPSS, etc.). Candidates must be able to work in a team environment, effectively communicate with team members to properly complete research projects, and to work with members of the public.
Essential Functions*
Plan and conduct research relating to a wide variety of motor vehicle safety issues; Research may involve controlled laboratory-based investigations, naturalistic on-road studies involving instrumented vehicles, track-based testing, and driving simulator studies
Perform analyses relating to motor vehicle safety using human factors, mechanical, electrical, computer, biomechanical, or other engineering principles
Design, execute, and oversee experiments and data collections and perform analysis of data
Provide specialized knowledge in the development and use of quantitative and qualitative techniques
Develop original solutions for complex problems or issues in vehicle safety research
Write research papers and technical reports
*TRC Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.
**Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)
Keeps current with relevant scientific and technical developments
Provide detailed research proposals and cost estimates
Establish and maintain task schedules and budgets
Report research and test results in advanced and complex technical formats
Make independent, competent, and critical thinking decisions
Work in a team to reach technical project goals
Critically evaluate and correct deficiencies in technical proposals, plans, and reports
Manage and monitor progress of multiple projects
Participate in multi-project research programs
Make technical decisions with little supervision
Attend professional society and technical committee meetings
Support TRC Inc.’s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts
Qualifications
PhD in engineering, psychology, or appropriate comparable discipline
Proficiency with nonlinear regression and mixed/random effects models
Psychometrics
Business and technical knowledge to identify potential problems and opportunities that may impact projects
Previous experience with transportation research
Strong communication skills
Proficiency in technical writing
Proficiency in technical presentations
Computer skills for scientific and technical applications
Working conditions
Standard office, climate controlled environment
Standard laboratory environment
Physical requirements
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers
It is the policy of TRC Inc. to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment practices, without regard to race, color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.
