Research Scholar, Roadway Safety

Essential Job Duties

This Research Scholar position will lead and manage multidisciplinary transportation safety research initiatives focused on reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven analysis, implementation support, and stakeholder collaboration.

The position requires independent judgment, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations for practitioners, agencies, and decision-makers.

This position is responsible for advancing data-driven strategies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries within a Vision Zero / Safe System framework. The Research Scholar will serve in a leadership role supporting applied research, implementation, and program development activities related to roadway safety and transportation operations.

In leading the development, execution, and management of transportation safety research projects and technical assistance initiatives, primary responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and deliverables.
• Leading or supporting proposal preparation activities, including technical writing, budgeting, coordination with partners, and sponsor engagement.
• Supervising, mentoring, and coordinating the work of research staff, graduate students, and student assistants.
• Conducting and overseeing quantitative analyses using crash data, exposure metrics, roadway inventory data, vehicle telematics, operational data, and related transportation datasets.
• Developing analytical methods, tools, and performance measures to evaluate roadway safety strategies and initiatives.
• Applying rigorous analytical approaches to identify systemic risk factors associated with roadway design, road user behavior, vehicle performance, and post-crash care.
• Supporting implementation of Safe System and Vision Zero principles through evidence-based practice and cross-sector collaboration.
• Coordinating with transportation agencies, local governments, law enforcement, public health professionals, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Translating technical findings into actionable guidance, recommendations, reports, and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Evaluating the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-benefit of proposed safety interventions and operational strategies.
• Supporting the development of technical guidance documents, research publications, training materials, and implementation resources.
• Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, conferences, and professional committees as appropriate.
• Contribute to the strategic growth and development of transportation safety research programs and partnerships.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Managing project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client communications
• Coordinating interdisciplinary research teams and external collaborators
• Developing and delivering technical presentations, workshops, and training materials
• Conducting literature reviews and state-of-the-practice assessments
• Supporting stakeholder outreach and engagement activities
• Overseeing field data collection efforts and field equipment installation/removal
• Supporting publication development, conference presentations, and implementation activities