Job opportunities at VTTI

PR/Marketing/Graphics Assistant-VTTI

Assist with the development, writing, compilation, maintenance and revisions to departmental publications, presentations, public relations and marketing materials and/or related documents. Assist with conference/event organization from planning to implementation phase. Provides graphic design support as needed for proposals, technical reports, presentations, PR & marketing materials and publications to include but not be limited to final layouts; design of charts, graphs, illustrations, large format graphics and and other artwork; review of final layouts and; develop graphics and program/project logos. Assist with web writing for all VTTI and project-related websites. PR/Marketing/Graphics Assistant(s) have positive attitude, excellent customer service, attention to detail, well-developed interpersonal skills, and excellent written and verbal communications skills. Additionally, PR/Marketing/Graphics Assistant(s) will have a demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently, with minimal supervision.

System Administration Team Lead (Research Associate)-VTTI

This position is the lead of the VTTI system administration team. This individual must be capable of being a technical lead for the team as well as effectively manage the duties and responsibilities of the team. The lead systems administrator is responsible for leading a team of system administrators in a research environment. Duties and responsibilities: VTTI's IT environment is a mixed Microsoft Windows/Linux/Mac environment. This person filling this position will be responsible for VTTI's desktop and server environment. The desktop environment is largely Windows (XP and Windows7) with servers to support this (Active Directory, Exchange, SQL Server), whereas the infrastructure to support VTTI's peta-scale data-intensive science ? file servers, database servers, and compute clusters ? is largely run on Linux servers. VTTI's embedded data acquisition systems also are Linux based. This group lead will also have primary responsibility for establishing security practices, ensuring compliance with best practices and potentially federal government specifications such as NIST/FISMA, etc. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to customer support, a strong work ethic, and be highly organized. They will also be able to adapt quickly to changing environments and requirements, work effectively on individual projects and enjoy working, sharing their expertise and learning in a team environment. Directions given and received: This position supervises three staff system administrators and reports to the Chief Information Officer.

Research Support and Contracts Assistant-VTTI

Provide support to a small research team in all phases of work pre-proposal, proposal writing, and during research activities. While the position will include support of all activities, this position is expected to supplement the group's skills in drafting comprehensive and clear proposals, and monitoring fulfillment of agreements during execution of contracts. Day-to-day research activities include reviewing data, recruiting participants, writing procedures, and executing research procedures. Must be willing to be on call on nights and weekends periodically with advance notice. Ability to routinely lift up to 15 lbs with or without accommodations. Demonstrated positive attitude and reliable attendance required. Demonstrated excellent oral and written communications skills are required as well as demonstrated experience working successfully as a contributor to a team effort.

Project Associate (Data Analyst)- VTTI

The data analyst, in conjunction with principal investigators and researchers, will prepare data sets according to experimental designs in driving behavior/transportation research studies. This assistance will include supporting development of experimental designs based on in-depth understanding of naturalistic driving data, the identification of appropriate and feasible sampling strategies, and writing and validating code for use in data mining. The analyst will prepare data, structuring and filtering appropriately, and providing aggregate measures and descriptive statistics on accumulated data. The data analyst will also prepare documents such as monthly/quarterly progress reports, flow-charts, work plans, comprehensive presentations, interim and final reports suitable for all levels and management and sponsors. Computing capabilities should include the ability to structure and filter large behavioral data sets and integrate relational databases. Establish methods to quantify the accuracy and completeness of the data collected, write well documented, concise, and reliable code to perform various analysis tasks and subtasks of larger analyses. Generate graphical and tabular summaries of large quantities of analyzed data. Work with supervisor and other researchers to support their analysis needs. Demonstrated experience in conducting large database related projects including providing summary reports to management and customers. The data analyst will aid in the development of data dictionaries and in the production of comprehensive reports and presentations suitable for project sponsors. The analyst will also assist in addressing inquiries made about datasets maintained at VTTI. Independently performs most assignments with instructions on global objectives and general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. May supervise/mentor/provide training and coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.

Research Associate, Software Developer - VTTI

Independently evaluates, selects and applies software design principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making adaptations and modifications. Assignments have project objectives and require the investigation of a variety of variables. Performance at this level requires developmental experience in a professional position or equivalent graduate level educations. Performs work developing embedded software, GUI software, scripts, and operating system configurations. Duties and responsibilities: Independently works developing embedded software, GUI software, scripts, and operating system configurations in support of data collection. Works as part of a design team to enhance VTTI's core data collection software. Assist in system deployments and the configuration of data collection software as needed. Performs work that involves developing innovative and creative solutions to complex software challenges with the goal of advancing the field of data collection and transportation safety. Iteratively acts in concert with the research team and sponsors to define project goals and technical specifications; to create/refine project plans and milestones; and to integrated these goals, specification and timeline to achieve the overall objective. Duties include one or more of the following: test materials, trial and error problem solving, preparation of specification, process study, research investigations, and report preparation. Directions given and received: Independently performs most assignments with instructions on global objectives and general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. May supervise/mentor/provide training and coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.

Senior Fiscal Technician-Virginia Tech Transportation Instit

Provides fiscal and administrative support to research groups in multiple research locations. Responsibilities include: Train, mentor and advise fiscal staff members at the Fiscal Tech level. Process wage personnel actions and travel administration. Provide backup and support to other fiscal technicians as necessary. Other duties as directed by supervisor. The successful candidate must have a demonstrated ability to manage a high level of integrity in financial processes, have multi-tasking, trouble-shooting and problem solving skills to excel in a fast paced environment with minimal supervision and be motivated to work independently with awareness and sensitivity towards multi-cultural issues.

Data Reductionist, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

The Human Factors research group at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is currently accepting applications for the part-time position of Data Reductionist. The job involves working in our computer labs to analyze digital video collected in various research projects in order to analyze and document driver behavior, road conditions, etc. following detailed protocols. Due to the nature of the work, successful candidates must be legally able to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, possess a valid U.S. driver's license, and have a minimum of one year of driving experience. Must be able to maintain a regular work schedule and to work independently and manage time effectively. Successful candidates must be able to work five shifts (4-hours each) per week during regular business hours (7am-6pm, Monday through Friday) for a total of 20 hours per week. Schedules must be coordinated with supervisor. Upon hire, Data Reductionists are required to sign a Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Agreement and complete an online training course in the protection of human research subjects.

Pre-Award Associate Director-VTTI

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) has an immediate opening for a Pre-Award Associate Director. This is a new position in the organization. The successful candidate will report directly to the Director of Finance and will be responsible for overseeing Pre-Awards for the Institute. Core Responsibilities: Serves as supervisor, manager and leader of a university-level, research institute pre-award team in all proposal and professional administrative activities. Provides effective leadership by facilitating the input of proposal team members in the establishment and accomplishment of proposal team goals. Represents the VTTI proposal team in management meetings, assists in the team member selection process, and facilitates team member training. - Responsible for all proposal submissions, facilitating award negotiations with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and leading collaborative efforts with VTTI Finance Directors on the development and implementation of Pre-Award policies and procedures. - Negotiates acceptable terms and conditions, cost and price factors, and acceptable payment schedules for awards through significant subject matter expertise. Negotiate complex contracts (that include intellectual property, publication restrictions, export control, propriety and confidential information and federal FAR clauses). - Serves as institutional liaison to faculty, OSP and perspective sponsors on all pre-award matters. - Facilitates proposals and prepares accurate, thorough, and timely responses to solicitations. - Serves as institutional resource regarding federal, state and university policy as well as sponsor guidelines. - Leads pre-award team in preparation of complex multi-task budgets, supporting budget schedules and proposal business packages accurately and completely. - Leads, coordinates, and facilitates the proposal process from inception to timely submission including, but not limited to, the progress for each phase of the proposal development and timeline progression, quality reviews for the proposal administrative and budget requirements, and, where applicable, subcontractor proposal requirements. - Provides guidance regarding federal and university policies and procedures, and sponsor requirements. - Responsible for oversight of RFP or solicitation review and compliance from all contributing parties, including quality review check of all sponsor correspondence during the Pre-Award phase. Consults with OSP regarding contract exceptions during the proposal process and resolving them accordingly. - Practices quality budget development as required by the Federal Cost Principles for Educational Institutions (OMB A-21) and the Federal Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Grants (OMB A-110). - Participates in the establishment and implementation of short and long-range unit goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement. - Manage internet research efforts and dissemination of lead information to appropriate parties within a multi-discipline research organization. - Responsible for the organization and maintenance of all pre-award files both hardcopy and electronic. -Ability to work autonomously and within a team environment; and a strong commitment to customer service. Excellent communication, organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage large volumes of work. - Performs other duties as assigned.

Sr. Research Associate, (Engineer IV, ISE or Psychology)-VTTI

Independently plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed tasks as part of major transportation related Illumination, Visibility and Human Factors engineering projects. Performs work that involves engineering practice but may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements. Contributes to research conceptualization, proposal development, and resource acquisition. Interacts with sponsor, interprets findings, prepares reports, and presents results. Work will primarily consist of lighting and visibility related projects for transportation systems. Work requires a broad knowledge of precedents in the specialty area and a good knowledge of and practices of related specialties. Assignments include: -literature reviews -write, review, and critique proposals, research plans, and final reports -organize, attend, and participate in project meetings -conceptualize and write work plans -manage project activities and execution of research plan -analyze data -present research findings -collaborates on research studies as needed Directions given and received: Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.

Machine Vision Developer (Research Associate)- VTTI

Work as an independent member of a team to develop, debug and implement software for vehicle related applications. An emphasis for this position is on machine vision algorithms relating to: lane tracking, vehicle and object identification and classification, headway monitoring, face recognition, head and eye tracking. Evaluate current technologies and provide strategies for implementing relevant ones into existing and future products. Duties and responsibilities: Independently works developing innovative and creative solutions to complex engineering challenges with the goal of advancing the field of vehicle instrumentation with a specialization in machine vision. Will work to build unique software systems including, but not limited to, code development and integration, real-time video analysis, and hardware interfacing. Iteratively acts in concert with the research team and sponsor to define project goals and technical specifications; to create/refine project plans and milestones; and to integrate these goals, specifications, and timelines to achieve the overall objective. Duties include one or more of the following: -Software design, development and deployment -Prototype systems development -Algorithm development -Preparation of specifications, process of study, research investigations, and reports -May supervise/mentor/train and coordinate the work of technicians, graduate research assistants and others who assist in specific assignments.

Electronic Hardware/Software Developer (Research Associate)- VTTI

Independently works designing circuits, firmware, and software for data acquisition systems. Work with researchers to develop technology deployment strategies. Assist in system deployments and the construction of data collection systems and components as needed. Perform work that involves developing innovative and creative solutions to complex engineering challenges with the goal of advancing the field of data collection and transportation safety. Takes the lead in projects by setting the direction and performance bar while proactively motivating, aligning and leading a group of people toward a common goal. Iteratively acts in concert with the research team and sponsors to define project goals and technical specifications; to create/refine project plans and milestones; and to integrated these goals, specification and timeline to achieve the overall objective. Duties include one or more of the following: test materials, trial and error problem solving, preparation of specification, process study, research investigations, and report preparation. Specifically responsible for developing and maintaining data acquisition technology for large scale naturalistic data collections as well as testing of new technologies. Actively participates in the procurement of new work by demonstrating facility capabilities, summarizing data and contributing to technical white papers. Independently performs most assignments with instructions on global objectives and general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. May supervise/mentor/train and coordinate the work of technicians, graduate research assistants and others who assist in specific assignments.

Research Associate (Engineer I/II, IE or Psychology)-VTTI

Ideal candidate is a human factors engineer or experimental psychologist capable of independently running transportation research projects but willing to accept guidance and work in a team environment. Projects are varied and can include on-road and static testing of possible in-vehicle technology, supporting large in-vehicle naturalistic data collection efforts, or analyzing large crash or carrier databases. This position performs work that involves conventional human factors practices but may include a variety of complex features, such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements. Candidates should also have experience in research conceptualization, proposal development, resource acquisition, and dissemination of results, including interacting with sponsors, interpreting research findings, preparing reports, and presenting results. The applicant must be interested in improving transportation safety and be willing to work on multiple projects in a fast paced research environment. Duties and responsibilities: Assignments include: -Travel to research sites and professional conferences, -Participant recruitment, screening, and debriefing, -Research and write literature reviews, -Review and critique reports and research plans, -Conceptualize and write work plans, -Analyze data, -Write research reports, and -Present research findings Directions given and received: Receive instructions on project objectives, feedback on proposed research plans, and project logistics from principal investigators and project managers. May supervise or coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, students, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.

Research Associate, (Engineer I/II, ME, EE, ECE)-VTTI

Ideal candidate is an engineer capable of working independently on transportation research projects but willing to accept guidance and work in a team environment. The projects range from on-road and static testing of possible in-vehicle technology to supporting large in-vehicle naturalistic data collection efforts. This position performs work that involves conventional human factors practices but may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements. Contribute to research conceptualization, proposal development, and resource acquisition. The applicant must be interested in improving transportation safety and be willing to work on multiple projects in a fast paced research environment. Duties and responsibilities: Assignments include: -Travel to research sites -Research and write literature reviews, -Review and critique reports and research plans -Interface with engineers, designers, and testing lab personnel to process data from vehicle sensors -Design complex models using computer-aided design (CAD) models. -Analyze data -Write research reports -Present research findings Directions given and received: Receive instructions on project objectives, feedback on proposed research plans, and project logistics from principal investigators and project managers. May supervise or coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, students, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.

Electronic Hardware Developer (Research Associate) - VTTI

Independently evaluates, selects and applies engineering principles, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making adaptations and modifications. Assignments have project objectives and require the investigation of a variety of variables. Performance at this level requires developmental experience in a professional position or equivalent graduate level educations. Performs work developing circuits, board layouts, and firmware for a variety of data collection modules. Work with researchers to develop technology deployment strategies. Independently works designing circuits, board layouts, and firmware for data acquisition systems. Work with researchers to develop technology deployment strategies. Assist in system deployments and the construction of data collection systems and components as needed. Performs work that involves developing innovative and creative solutions to complex engineering challenges with the goal of advancing the field of data collection and transportation safety. Iteratively acts in concert with the research team and sponsors to define project goals and technical specifications; to create/refine project plans and milestones; and to integrated these goals, specification and timeline to achieve the overall objective. Duties include one or more of the following: test materials, trial and error problem solving, preparation of specification, process study, research investigations, and report preparation. Specifically responsible for developing and maintaining data acquisition technology for large scale naturalistic data collections as well as testing of new technologies. Actively participates in the procurement of new work by demonstrating facility capabilities, summarizing data and contributing to technical white papers. Directions given and received: Independently performs most assignments with instructions on global objectives and general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. May supervise/mentor/provide training and coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.