Research Associate

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26353 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

David Kack

dkack@montana.edu

406-994-7526

Classification Title Research Professional Working Title Research Associate Brief Position Overview

Candidates 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 4C6657 Department Western Transportation Institute Division Office of Research and Economic Development Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $50,000 - $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General 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.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of and experience with the Safe Systems Approach and the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program.
• Knowledge of and experience working with rural or tribal transit and Federal Transit Administration programs.
• Knowledge of and experience working with complete streets concepts, bicycle/pedestrian transportation issues, transportation demand management.
• Certification or several years experience in project management.
• Experience managing federal research grants.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Maintain positive working relationships with sponsors and partners engaged in research projects.
• Communicate with appropriate officials to obtain any necessary permits/permission for pop-up projects in communities around Montana (and possibly other states) and maintain positive working relationships with community officials, neighbors and partners engaged in pop up traffic calming projects.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills, in person and on the telephone.
• Can follow directions, coordinate activities, and effectively communicate with multiple people and organizations.
• Evaluate data, such as traffic speed/volume data, using pre-existing commercial and custom computer programs.
• Develop surveys and analyze collected responses.
• Organize a physical workspace and maintain it at a high level of organization.
• Work well with others from a various range of backgrounds.
• Manage time between multiple projects and tasks.
• Pay attention to detail.
• Develop research statements and projects, including developing project budgets and timelines.
• Track spending on research projects and maintain project timelines.

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? No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications 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.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).