Full job description Job Summary: The State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI) is the leading national network promoting sustainability, equity, and transparency among state transportation agencies. For more than a decade, we have worked directly with top transportation officials, agency staff, transportation experts, and other strategic partners to spread innovative best practices and support their implementation. SSTI is based at the High Road Strategy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, and operates in partnership with Smart Growth America in Washington, DC.
We are seeking a Transportation Researcher to support both qualitative and quantitative work focused on transportation policy and decision-making tools. This may include reviewing and translating best practices from transportation agencies across the U.S. It may also include technical work like accessibility analysis (measuring access to jobs and other opportunities) and similar applications. All SSTI staff contribute regularly to blogs, policy briefs, webinars, and workshops.
This person will report to SSTI's managing director and will work with other staff at the High Road Strategy Center and Smart Growth America.
WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?
This is a unique opportunity to grow professionally and help shape the national landscape, from the heart of a vibrant university community. Madison frequently ranks among the most livable and bike-friendly cities in the U.S. Because we are based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we offer a highly competitive benefits and retirement package. We encourage a healthy work-life balance and allow some flexibility in working remotely.
Responsibilities: Provides research expertise to fundamental and applied scientific research and solves problems in research development and applications to support the advancement of research. 30% Collects and analyzes increasingly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures. 30% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, co-authors publications, and disseminates information to appropriate entities. 5% Develops and implements increasingly complex research methodologies, procedures, and criteria. 5% Reviews and edits protocols to ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and consistency. 10% Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding. 20% Supports staff on general operations (e.g., outreach, event planning, project tracking, and strategic coordination). Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
Education: Required:
Bachelor's Degree in planning, engineering, data science, public policy, or a related field. A BA in an unrelated field along with relevant work experience will be considered.
Preferred:
Master's Degree in planning, engineering, data science, public policy, or a related field. A MS in an unrelated field along with relevant work experience will be considered.
Qualifications: Required:
Commitment to promoting High Road and Smart Growth transportation strategies (sustainable, equitable, and transparent). Ability to understand complex data, research, and policy concepts and communicate them in a clear and relevant manner for different audiences, including members of the public. High degree of professionalism and the ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with researchers, staff, partners, and clients, including but not limited to leaders at state transportation agencies. Independent problem-solving and time management skills. Good interpersonal skills. Preferred:
Experience in the transportation sector or a related public agency. Existing relationships with transportation professionals or related organizations in the U.S. Relevant experience in data management, statistical analysis, or modeling, particularly using GIS or R. Experience writing grant proposals. Demonstrated project management or strategic planning skills. Work Type: Full or Part Time: 80% - 100%
This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration: Ongoing/Renewable
Salary: Minimum $53,103 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurances and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.
How to Apply: Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process.
For questions on the position, contact: Jay Ferm, .
To apply for this position you will need to upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three professional references, including your current supervisor. References will not be contacted without advance notice.
Your cover letter should address your qualifications as they pertain to the qualifications listed above.
Contact: Jay Ferm
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title: Researcher II(RE041)
Department(s): A48-COL OF LETTERS & SCIENCE/SOCIOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY
Employment Class: Academic Staff-Renewable
Job Number: 294349-AS
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
