Description

Job Description

VTTI is looking for candidates who are interested in making a difference through direct involvement in ground-breaking transportation safety research, evaluating human factors and advanced vehicle technologies and related driver/occupant/road user issues that affect roadway safety. Transportation is undergoing an incredible transformation as driver-assistance, automated, and other safety-related technologies continue to expand in both capability and market availability, play a part in the implementation of these technologies in heavy vehicles (commercial trucks and busses). At VTTI, a world-leading research institute, we are working with government agencies, transportation and safety organizations, vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers, Automated Driving System developers, and others to improve transportation safety and performance on our roadways. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA)

The Division of Freight, Transit, and Heavy Vehicle Safety (DHVY), a research-focused group within VTTI, seeks qualified and ambitious engineering, human factors or traffic safety professionals with a strong background in psychology, safety, and/or vehicle technology. Research areas of focus within DHVY include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Automated Driving Systems (ADS), driver behavior (e.g., distraction, fatigue, and impairment), sensor perception and performance, education and training, and supporting road users that share the road with trucks.

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced researcher capable of supporting research projects and working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to improve transportation safety through cutting edge research. Research projects range from collecting and analyzing crash data to large-scale simulator experiments, Smart Road test-track studies, and naturalistic driving studies that involve collecting data from hundreds of vehicles on public roadways. Candidate must be interested in working with heavy vehicles, including commercial trucks, transit buses, and motorcoaches. The successful candidate will contribute to the conceptualization of research and proposal development with principal investigators. With guidance, the successful applicant will manage the day-to-day operations of research projects including: literature reviews, research design, research execution, data analysis, report writing, outreach programs, presentations, and publications. Experience with human factors research in transportation or related fields and expertise in statistical analyses is preferred. Proficiency with data collection and working knowledge of analysis software packages is desired. The applicant must be interested in improving transportation safety and be willing to work on multiple projects in a fast paced, demanding, and highly rewarding research environment. VTTI provides opportunities for professional advancement and a pay for performance structure.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE RANK - Research Associates will be expected to provide input into the design and initiation of research. They are expected to make contributions toward the preparation of budgets but will have limited responsibility and/or authority in the project management process. Work will be supportive in nature and contribute to the overall program/project success. They may supervise junior level team members and student employees as assigned.

Duties and responsibilities will include:
• Assist in the development of proposals
• Research and assist in the composition of literature reviews
• Assist with the conceptualization and creation of work plans, protocols, and procedures
• Assist with the recruitment of participants and the collection of data, both on a test track and in the real world
• Participate in outreach programs that may involve travel and conference attendance • Prepare and analyze data
• Interpret results and develop robust conclusions
• Write research reports
• Present research findings
• Coordinate and collaborate with subcontractors and interface with stakeholders and sponsors, as required

Directions given and received:

• Work with Principal Investigators, lead researchers, peers, research assistants, undergrad students, technicians and support staff to coordinate project tasks to ensure timely completion.

• Must be able to work effectively independently with oversight as well as within multidisciplinary project teams as appropriate. The selected candidate will require a criminal background check and valid driver's license and good driving record. Must be eligible to work in the US due to Export Controls.

Potential Travel associated with this position, estimated to be up to 20% of time.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in industrial engineering, human factors, psychology, or related field. Candidates with a lesser degree and significant experience in transportation safety in lieu of master's degree will also be considered.
• Thorough understanding of research methodology designs and analytical methods.
• Proficiency with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques.
• Must have strong communication skills and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work on solving complex problems and develop solutions that will improve safety on our nation's roadways.
• Experience conducting literature reviews
• Experience designing and executing research protocols and collecting data in human factors research
• Significant experience writing reports, presentations, and publications.
• Travel to research sites to collect data and/or conferences for presentations and networking (requirement fluctuates but will generally be

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in transportation research (e.g., advanced vehicle technologies, driver distraction/workload/impairment, HMIs).
• Previous experience with translational research, developing training and outreach materials
• Publications in related field of human factors, intelligent transportations systems, and safety analysis.
• Experience with human factors research in transportation or related fields and expertise in statistical analyses.
• Proficiency with data collection and working knowledge of analysis software packages.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting rate of $70,000, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

10/20/2025

Additional Information

Criminal conviction check required | Driver's license check required | Potential aspects of this position may be physically demanding (e.g., considerable walking, standing, bending stooping, moderate lifting, hand/finger dexterity needed, good vision & hearing)

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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

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, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military 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 Natalie Jett at njett@vtti.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: October 7, 2025
Applications close: