Working title:

Researcher, Freight Transportation Institute of the WTC

Official title:

RESEARCHER(E05DN) or ASSOC RESEARCHER(E05FN)

Degree and area of specialization:

Master's degree required / Ph.D. preferred, in transportation engineering, industrial engineering, logistics, urban planning, or related field.

Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience:

Must have sufficient technical background, through education and/or work experience, to understand freight research issues and interact effectively with faculty, researchers, and other technically-oriented internal and external constituents/customers. Established network of public-sector practitioners and private-industry transportation consultants with a freight focus. Strong background in transportation technologies and operations, a proven track record for project management from initial concept development to design and implementation of research results, and ability to develop transportation research opportunities required. Experience in the freight transportation industry is expected. This experience may be in freight research, planning, logistics, operations, enforcement, or regulatory environments. A proven track record of coordinating and developing regionally based freight corridors a plus.

Principal duties:

The National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education was awarded a $16million federal grant with significant matching requirements. This grant is to be used for research, education, outreach, and training activities related to the provision of Sustainable Freight Transportation Infrastructure and Systems.

This position reports to the Director and Deputy Director of Wisconsin Transportation Center in the day-to-day operation of the Freight Research Institute Program.

Specific Duties:

--Oversee the development, promote products, and market activities of the National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education.

--Conduct sponsored research, funded by government or private sector entities in cooperation with faculty members and other Center staff or independently as appropriate.

--Develop new research opportunities for Center researchers and faculty in cooperation with the Director and Deputy Director of the Center.

--Represent the Center in contacts with government, industry, and university participants, and other external stakeholder interests. The incumbent will also work closely with faculty members in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

Key areas of responsibility include:

Freight Transportation Research (70%)

Conduct freight focused research and work with program participants from the ten states in the Mississippi Valley Region to develop freight research activities, implementation programs, and funding strategies. Develop & submit grant proposals to outside agencies.

Prepare, research, develop & publish requests-for-proposals.

Specific research projects may include work developing new methods for providing efficient movement of freight, policy barriers to implementation, and development of multi-state operations partnerships. Analyze barriers to efficient freight movements, develop planning strategies for states and Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and conduct other work related to the thematic areas of the National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Author academic journal papers and technical reports.

Develop contacts and liaisons with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies. Serve as a peer reviewer for research projects of the Midwest Regional University Transportation Center and other programs.

In consultation with the Research and Education Programs Coordinator, organize review of proposals submitted for project awards. Develop contacts with appropriate agencies. Monitor ongoing research activities and provide technical services where appropriate.

Professional Training Course Development and Presentation (10%)

Oversee the development of training opportunities related to freight infrastructure and systems in concert with the Director of Continuing Education. These could include the development of courses aimed at Freight Logistics, understanding design parameters to improve freight efficiency, and similar activities. Lead course sessions and present lectures as appropriate. Explore opportunities to develop courses connecting the infrastructure renewal aspects of the MRUTC and the National Center.

External Relations & Program Development (15%)

Expand the presence of University of Wisconsin researchers in freight transportation through executive outreach and other presentations. Create & implement strategies to identify and disseminate pertinent information to the public and private sector technical communities and the general public, including developing materials accessible to the various constituencies. Publicize project milestones, project reports, and other functions with value to community.

Maintain and update websites related to the projects of the National University Transportation Center and the Mississippi Valley Freight Corridors Coalition. Develop & disseminate annual report of program activities and accomplishments and comply with agency, USDOT, or other reporting requirements.

Assist in coordination of meetings of technical, executive, and customer committees related to the Mississippi Valley Freight Coalition. At a minimum, this will include coordination with the Mississippi Valley Board of Directors and the organizations of the Lake Michigan Gateway Interstate Alliance and others.

Program Integration (5%)

Work in conjunction & coordination with the Wisconsin Transportation Center and other State Transportation Research Programs (including the Midwest Regional University Transportation Center) to assure integration of program goals and efforts with other research initiatives underway.

Coordinate efforts targeting improved traffic operations with the Mississippi Valley Traffic Operations Coalition and UW-Madison Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory.

Additional Information:

This position requires independent problem solving skills; advanced knowledge and skills concerning budget development and management, information, technical outreach, office and fiscal management along with information technology applications (e.g., website creation, spreadsheet and database development and use, and desktop publishing). The position also requires good written and oral communication skills and exceptional organization, analytical, and interpersonal skills. A high-degree of professionalism and an ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with researchers, staff, and industrial, government, and university collaborators at all levels is essential.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION

Application must be received by: AUGUST 01, 2008

HOW TO APPLY:

Unless another application procedure has been specified above, please send resume and cover letter referring to Position Vacancy Listing #59436 to