02378 - Research Scientist

About the Role

Conceive, plan, direct, and conduct highly complex research projects in transportation engineering and road safety that provide solutions to problems or improvements to technology, procedures, practices, processes, or specifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Research:
  • Conceive, plan, and conduct multiple research projects using state-of-the-art scientific theories, methodologies, and techniques with limited administrative supervision.
  • Initiate, monitor, and participate in contract research projects.
  • Collaborate with support staff or others to collect and validate data.
  • Analyze and interpret data.
• Professional Development:
  • Participate in relevant professional organizations and research committees, such as TRB.
  • Attend specialty conferences and short courses to enhance knowledge and skills.
  • Maintain knowledge of current research in areas of specialization through contact with experts at the state and federal level and through studies of technical journals and publications.
• Publication:
  • Disseminate research findings through written reports, published papers, and presentations to national, state, and VDOT audiences.
  • Provide scientific peer reviews of VTRC colleagues' final research reports.
• Technology Assistance:
  • Provide technical assistance, consultative advice, and technology transfer to a broad spectrum of VDOT personnel, FHWA, other state and local government officials, and external customers.

Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences at the local, state, and national levels, including preparation of publishable articles for professional journals.
• Ability to conceptualize, develop, and manage multiple complex and diverse research projects.
• Ability to independently generate research ideas and assess VDOT's research needs.
• Ability to manage research projects, analyze data, make recommendations, and help implement results.
• Ability to supervise and train research associates and assistants.
• Knowledge of VDOT management, operations, and field structure.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of research design, qualitative and quantitative research methods, engineering mathematics, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Skill in the use of computers and computer systems software applications used in transportation planning and transportation engineering.
• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Materials Sciences, or related field.

Qualifications

• Advanced ability to independently generate research ideas and assess VDOT's research needs.
• Advanced knowledge of VDOT management, operations, and field structure.
• Comprehensive knowledge of advanced research design, qualitative and quantitative research methods, engineering mathematics, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices.

Additional Considerations

• Experience as a principal investigator.
• Experience in developing and directing all phases of research, including the publication and implementation of results.
• Experience in developing research, including the publication and implementation of results.
• Experience as a member of a research team.
• PhD in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Materials Sciences, or related field desired.

Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOT’s Code of Ethics and the Commonwealth’s Standards of Conduct.