Job Description

How to Apply

Applications are being accepted through the MCareers website at https://careers.umich.edu/. Please submit the following items in one continuous pdf document.

Note: Review of applications will be conducted on a rolling basis.            

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure research faculty position to conduct transportation safety research in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. We are accepting applications for all ranks including Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist and Research Scientist. The rank of the selected candidate will depend upon the candidate's qualifications.

We are looking for individuals who would like to join UMTRI long-term and who will contribute to the excellence and diversity of our research efforts. Individuals being considered for senior level faculty positions must be able to demonstrate leadership skills. The intended start date for this research faculty position will be in the Spring or Summer of 2025 and would require the individual to live in or relocate to Southeastern Michigan.

At UMTRI, the candidate will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment. UMTRI faculty include engineers, epidemiologists, statisticians, public health experts, and psychologists. Research areas of expertise include crash and driving data analysis, driver behavior, injury biomechanics and ergonomics, safe transport and occupant restraint, traffic modeling, connected and automated driving, and vulnerable roadway users. 

This faculty position will be in the Center for the Management of Information for Safe and Sustainable Transportation (CMISST) group at UMTRI. The CMISST group focuses on data analysis to answer a wide variety of questions about transportation safety and mobility. Therefore, the successful candidate will have interests in crash data analysis and social behavioral aspects of roadway safety. 

CMISST faculty and staff include statisticians, epidemiologists, programmers, and project managers who help bring in, analyze, and make data available to the public. CMISST has a strong track record of safety data analyses, especially combining crash data with other datasets (e.g., driving, travel, roadway), and conducting studies featuring social behavioral approaches. Recent CMISST research efforts include linking crash and medical datasets, quantifying safety outcomes and their relationships to national and state level factors (e.g., demographics, law enforcement), evaluating safe driving interventions targeting both younger and older adults, and informing transportation safety policy in areas of speeding and vehicle accessibility.
Salary will be provided through a combination of sponsored research projects and non-sponsored funds. First-year, project-funded support will be provided through existing projects and future support is expected to be obtained in collaboration with UMTRI faculty.

The University of Michigan has established two research faculty tracks: Research Scientist and Research Professor. While this role is currently for the Research Scientist track, it is important to note that there are many possible trajectories for career promotion at UMTRI, including crossing from one track to the other.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) is recognized internationally for our multidisciplinary research focusing on transportation safety and mobility (http://umtri.umich.edu). Established in 1965, we maintain the highest standards of excellence as we conduct research that improves peoples' lives through access to safe, equitable and efficient mobility. UMTRI is a non-degree-granting unit within the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan that includes 19 faculty members, 35 research staff and nearly over 300 students each year engaged in research and other experiential learning opportunities. Lecturer opportunities may be available for those who are interested, and several UMTRI faculty currently serve as lecturers in the College of Engineering. UMTRI generates between $14M and $18M in research expenditures each year with funding from a wide range of government agencies and industry partners.

To get a glimpse of UMTRI at work as a leader in providing safe, equitable and efficient transportation research innovation, follow the link below:

https://youtu.be/iFokHTAYKfc?si=rw53pAbtGx2wlRdC

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering:   https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you, and your family stay well and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Responsibilities*

Daily activities include conducting research, performing experiments, analyzing data, and coordinating activities with other faculty, research staff, and students. Ongoing activities include writing reports and journal articles, presenting at conferences, and writing proposals to secure additional funding.   Student engagement is highly encouraged and could involve supervision of paid student research assistants, participating as mentors in formal UM student research programs  (UROP, SURE, MDP), classroom teaching, or service on graduate committees.  UMTRI recently initiated a program where faculty can supplement their salary by offering students experiential learning opportunities, as well as accrue additional backstop funding.  Many faculty actively participate in professional organizations. All faculty members are asked to serve on UMTRI administrative committees, with greater service commitment expected of more senior faculty.

Required Qualifications*

*Some funding sources are subject to export control restrictions. Please note that these projects will require US Citizenship or permanent residency to work with export-controlled material.

Desired Qualifications*

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

This position is posted as Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, or Assistant Research Scientist. The rank of the selected candidate will depend upon the candidate's qualifications

Additional Information

Located in southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor is a vibrant university town, technology and innovation hotspot, and a culinary center with an active downtown. Frequently voted the best place to live in Michigan, Ann Arbor blends the charm of the U.S. Midwest with multicultural influences from around the globe. Ann Arbor is approximately a 45-minute drive from Detroit, a 4-hour drive from Chicago, and is near the North American Great Lakes, which are beautiful and popular destinations for locals. http://umtri.umich.edu/candidate-resources

The University of Michigan is responsive to the needs of dual-career families. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all members of our community.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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