Research Associate

Job description

Agency

Department

Who are we? 

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 75 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals. 

Our Mission and Vision 

• Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society. 

• Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer. 

Our Work Environment 

• Entrepreneurial culture 

• Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty 

• Ability to work with nationally recognized experts 

• Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals 

• Premier office and research facilities and equipment 

• Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground 

• Outstanding research support services 

• Flexible work hours 

• Family friendly 

• High staff retention rates 

• Leadership development and wellness programs 

• Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements 

• Relocation assistance (if eligible) 

• Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible) 

Our Employee Benefits 

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs. https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/ 

What you need to know 

• TTI is a Texas-based agency. The primary duty station for this position is the TTI Headquarters, located at 1111 Rellis Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807. Due to the nature of this role, this position is required to work on-site and is not eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement. Additional details may be discussed during the interview process.

• The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience. 

• A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. 

• In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Job Summary:

The general purpose of this position is to independently perform and assist with engineering and technical research work, namely: (a) data collection and analysis; (b) machine learning-programming and algorithmic code development; (c) literature review and data search; (d) computational modeling and numerical simulations; (e) literature review and data search; (f) data synthesis and quality checks; (g) data documentation, cataloguing, and report/proposal writing; and (h) field work as well laboratory work, as needed. Periodic travels (i.e., over 50% of the total work effort) will be required for routine fieldwork and data collection. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance.

Essential Duties:

• Fieldwork travels and data collection (51%)
• Data processing, analysis, synthesis, and quality checks (15%)
• Machine learning programing and algorithmic code development (10%)
• Computational modeling and numerical simulations (5%)
• Literature review and data search (5%)
• Data documentation and report/proposal writing (5%)
• Laboratory work and material testing, as needed (2.5%)
• Routinely assist Senior Researchers, as needed (2.5%)
• Performs other duties as assigned (2.5%)
• Assist with the supervision of student workers, as needed (1.5%)

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Two years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering related field (preferably Civil Engineering)
• Two years of related experience including fieldwork and data analysis
• Proficiency in Python coding, Machine Learning programing, and data analysis experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability and flexibility to routinely travel for fieldwork
• Ability and flexibility to work beyond normal business hours, on weekends, and/or at night, as needed
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
• Proficiency in automation tools (such as Python) and Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid USA Class C driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects (i.e., up to 50 lbs) as needed
• Ability to exert heavy force (i.e., up to 50 lbs), as needed

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.