Virginia Tech Transportation Institute-Safety/HazMat Engineer-Research Associate
Ideal candidate is an experienced transportation safety professional with the skills and knowledge to solve transportation safety issues, including commercial vehicle HazMat operations, in a dynamic fast-paced research environment. The candidate must be interested in improving transportation safety using sound research principles and techniques and be willing to work independently on multiple projects at once. The projects range in scope and may include: on-road and static testing of possible in-vehicle technology; research support for large naturalistic data collection efforts; analysis of naturalistic data; test and evaluation of systems, methods, and procedures aimed at improving transportation safety. The candidate should also be willing to accept guidance for complex challenges and work in a team environment. This position may require overnight travel. The focus of this research center is on heavy vehicle operations.
Duties and responsibilities: performs work which involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment with relatively few complex features for which there are precedents.
Assignments include: research and write literature reviews; gathering data from the field and interacting with participants; review and critique reports and research plans; attend and participate in project meetings; conceptualize and write work plans, and research reports; analyze data; present research findings.
Directions given and received: candidate will receive instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions from principal investigators and project managers. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. May supervise or coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.
Requirements: masters degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial) or related field or equivalent education and experience; HazMat and commercial vehicle operational experience preferred; understanding of Human Factors principles and statistical methods; strong writing and organizational skills.
Review of applications will begin October 12, 2007. Starting salary will be commensurate with credentials and experience. Interested applicants should submit a faculty application, a cover letter, and a resume or curriculum vitae to the Virginia Tech employment website at www.jobs.vt.edu, posting number 070927. Virginia Tech has a strong commitment to the principle of diversity and, in that spirit, seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including women, minorities, and people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify Cindy Wilkinson, cwilkins@vtti.vt.edu;
540-231-1547
