Researcher/Scientist IV, Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics

Position Overview

This role leads the design, development, and execution of complex research projects in transportation systems, management, operations, and emerging smart mobility technologies. The candidate will collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, and private-sector organizations to drive innovative research, manage project operations, and foster staff development while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and execution of complex research projects related to transportation systems, management, operations, and emerging smart mobility technologies.
• Partner with local, regional, and national governments, educational institutions, and private-sector organizations to advance collaborative research initiatives.
• Manage, operate, and direct others in the use of specialized computer equipment, simulation platforms, data analytics tools, and transportation modeling software.
• Facilitate the development, testing, and refinement of innovative research techniques, analytical frameworks, and modeling methodologies.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of research studies, including project planning, staffing, task allocation, and quality assurance.
• Supervise and mentor research and support personnel, including graduate students, interns, and technical staff, fostering professional growth and research excellence.
• Actively participate in securing research funding by identifying opportunities, writing competitive grant proposals, and traveling to meet or present to funding sponsors (Arizona driver's license required).
• Author or co-author peer-reviewed publications and co-present findings with principal investigators at local, national, and international meetings and conferences.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, promoting data integrity, reproducibility, and ethical research practices.
• Coordinate with project managers and university Principal Investigators (PI) to monitor budgets and timelines.
• Review scopes of work, tasks, and deliverables, tracking project progress and ensuring timely submission of reports.
• Develop and implement operational plans and policies that directly impact project execution.
• Plan and execute project meetings, workshops, and retreats, including logistics and participant communication.
• Collaborate with the research program manager to ensure accurate online documentation of project status.
• Act as team leader for professional and support staff; provide guidance and oversight to junior personnel.
• Oversee center/institute operations and research initiatives with considerable latitude in decision-making.
• Build and deliver training programs to enhance team capabilities.
• Perform work with advanced proficiency in university systems and tools.
• Leverage deep knowledge of processes, policies, and regulations to coordinate specialized initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of all job functions and industry best practices, techniques, and standards with the ability to apply complex principles, theories, and concepts.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with both technical and non-technical personnel at various organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experience in grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Exceptional project management and coordination skills.