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 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.