Researcher/Scientist IV, Civil and Architectural Engineering and Mechanics

The successful applicant will work with multiple research areas, including but not limited to, intelligent transportation systems, transportation planning, smart mobility, big data analytics, large-scale transportation system simulation and analysis, transportation safety analysis, and/or traffic operations. This applicant will also work on writing grant proposals and coordinating administrative processes, and partially support Arizona Transportation Institute (AZTI) of conducting research and project management.

The Research Scientist IV will lead and support complex, multi-institutional transportation research initiatives under CATS. This role combines strategic research leadership, regulatory coordination, and high-level project management to ensure the successful execution of grant-funded studies in collaboration with ADOT and Arizona's public universities. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, strong operational oversight capabilities, and a proven track record in research administration and scientific publication.

CATS is a college-level research center established at the University of Arizona (UArizona) and founded in 2021. CATS' mission is to serve as a research, training, and capacity-building resource for regional governments, educational institutions, and private sectors in the field of Smart Communities. The research areas include but are not limited to Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), transportation system performance management, and Mobility on Demand (MOD).

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state retirement plan; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• 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, including identifying opportunities, initiating and writing competitive grant proposals, and traveling to meet with or present to funding sponsors (Arizona driver's license required).
• Author or co-author peer-reviewed publications; co-present findings with principal investigators at local, national and international professional meetings and conferences.
• Ensure research compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, and promote data integrity, reproducibility, and ethical research practices.

Project Management

• Coordinate with other project managers and university Principal Investigators (PI) to monitor budgets and timelines.
• Review scopes of work, tasks, and deliverables.
• Track project progress and ensure 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.

Staff Development & Operational Excellence

• Act as team leader for professional and support staff; provide guidance and oversight to junior personnel.
• Responsible for specific center/institute operations and research initiatives with considerable latitude in unreviewed actions or decisions.
• Build and deliver training programs to enhance team capabilities.
• Perform work with advanced proficiency in university systems and tools.
• Utilize deep knowledge of processes, policies, and regulations to coordinate specialized initiatives.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of all job functions and broad industry best practices, techniques and standards. Exhibits ability to transfer knowledge and application of complex principles, theories and concepts to peers.
• Strong interpersonal skills in working with both technical and non-technical personnel at different levels in the organization.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Project Management and exceptional coordination skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• PhD in Transportation, Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.

• Experience in transportation data collection methods and technologies.
  
• Established track record in developing strong proposals and securing funding.
  
• Project Management.