Research Associate

Research AssociateCandidates are sought for the position of Research Associate at the Western Transportation Institute (WTI) at Montana State University (MSU). While research at WTI focuses on many aspects of transportation in rural areas, the Research Associate will work with the Mobility and Public Transportation group and will focus on safety, along with a focus on public transportation (transit), bicycling, and pedestrian issues. Further, the Research Associate will be able to work with minimal supervision while designing and carrying out research and technical assistance to obtain project goals. The Research Associate will be supported by other members of the Mobility and Public Transportation team and other WTI staff and will have opportunities to use their own discretion and judgement to guide future research.Position Number - 4C6657Department - Western Transportation InstituteDivision - Office of Research and Economic DevelopmentAppointment Type - ProfessionalContract Term - Fiscal YearSemesterFLSA - ExemptUnion Affiliation - Exempt from Collective BargainingFTE - 1.0Benefits Eligible - EligibleSalary - $50,000 - $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualificationsContract Type - LOARecruitment Type - OpenGeneral Statement - Current research projects include studies of mobility/transit issues in rural and tribal communities and bicycle and pedestrian issues in rural areas and on Federal lands. Additional research and technical assistance include organizing walk audits and pop-up traffic calming projects and transportation demand management research and activities. The Research Associate will be expected to work with minimal supervision while designing and carrying out research and technical assistance and can use their experience and judgement to analyze data and guide future research.Duties and Responsibilities - Design and carry out research and technical assistance, exercising discretion and judgement with minimal supervision. Analyze and interpret data using your experience and judgment to guide future research supporting the goals of WTI. Maintain equipment related to the pop-up traffic calming and safety projects, and other equipment as may be needed for projects. Daily tasks may include, but are not limited to: maintaining equipment, conducting research, communicating with project sponsors and the public, ordering supplies, analyzing data using commercial and custom computer programs, and providing support in the preparation of publications and presentations. Interacting with WTI coworkers, external collaborators, and external sponsors.Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills - Masters degree in public health, urban planning, civil engineering (with a transportation emphasis), business, public administration or related field, and at least one year of experience in conducting Transportation research. Demonstrated experience supporting research programs. Demonstrated experience in researching and writing grant proposals. Demonstrated experience maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and efficiently prioritizing competing demands. Demonstrated experience using personal computers and various software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite/electronic or online calendars, word processing, social media, spreadsheets, database systems, presentation software, email, and internet.Position Special Requirements/Additional Information - This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.Physical Demands - Move pop-up traffic calming equipment in a street/road environment. Move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Be in a stationary position for several hours. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.This position has supervisory duties? - NoOpen DateClose DateApplications will be: Screening of applications will begin on April 16, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.EEO Statement - Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.