Director, Research Operations

This Director, Research Operations position is with University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Research Program Leadership and Sponsored Research Development: Provide senior-level scientific and programmatic leadership for a portfolio of complex, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional transportation research programs conducted through CATS. Lead the conceptualization, development, planning, and execution of research initiatives in areas including Transportation Systems Management and Operations, intelligent transportation systems, transportation planning, smart mobility, transportation safety, big data analytics, large-scale transportation system simulation and analysis, traffic operations, and emerging transportation technologies. Serve as Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or senior research leader on sponsored projects and exercise substantial independent judgment in establishing research priorities, methodologies, technical approaches, and project objectives. Proactively identify research and funding opportunities; lead or substantially contribute to competitive proposal development, grant writing, and presentations to funding sponsors. Develop and advance innovative research techniques, analytical frameworks, modeling methodologies, and technical approaches. Lead or co-author peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and professional presentations and disseminate research findings through local, national, and international professional forums. Center Operations, Strategic Planning, and Program Management Provide senior operational leadership for CATS and work with the Center Director to develop, implement, and continuously improve Center-wide strategic and operational plans. Align personnel, financial, technical, and administrative resources with Center priorities and long-range objectives. Coordinate with Principal Investigators, project managers, the Center Manager, research staff, and University administrative units to monitor program performance, budgets, timelines, scopes of work, deliverables, and compliance requirements. Develop and review strategic and operational plans and align personnel, financial, technical, and other resources with Center priorities. Exercise considerable latitude in unreviewed operational decisions within delegated authority and serve as a senior designee or representative of the Center Director when appropriate. Occasionally coordinate with the director after hours. Develop and implement operational processes, policies, and procedures that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and scalability of CATS operations. Personnel Leadership, Supervision, and Research Team Development Provide leadership, supervision, mentoring, and professional development for multidisciplinary research personnel, technical staff, project managers, and graduate students supporting CATS programs. Direct and coordinate the work of professional and support staff performing diverse functions across multiple research programs; establish priorities, assign responsibilities, monitor performance, and provide technical and professional guidance. Coordinate staffing and expertise across projects to optimize the use of Center resources and support timely and high-quality project delivery. Foster a collaborative and innovative research environment that promotes professional growth, research excellence, accountability, and effective teamwork. Participate in recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and development of research and operational personnel as appropriate. External Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement, and Research Representation: Develop, maintain, and expand strategic partnerships with local, regional, state, and national government agencies; metropolitan planning organizations; universities and research institutions; transportation organizations; and private-sector partners. Serve as a senior technical and operational representative of CATS in meetings with sponsors, collaborators, stakeholders, professional organizations, and other external partners. Lead or participate in research committees, advisory groups, technical working groups, workshops, retreats, conferences, and other professional activities. Identify opportunities for collaborative research, technical assistance, workforce development, technology transfer, and other initiatives that advance the Center’s mission and strengthen its external impact. Represent CATS and, when delegated, the Center Director in external engagements requiring senior-level technical, research, or operational expertise. Frequent travel to in-state/out-of-state meetings and conferences are required. Technical Leadership, Training, and Knowledge Transfer Serve as a recognized subject-matter expert in one or more specialized areas of transportation science and engineering and provide advanced technical guidance to CATS research teams and project leaders. Oversee and direct the appropriate use of specialized transportation data collection technologies, computer systems, simulation platforms, data analytics tools, transportation modeling software, and related research technologies. Establish and promote research quality, data integrity, reproducibility, regulatory compliance, and sound scientific practices across CATS programs. Lead the development and delivery of technical training, workshops, and knowledge-transfer activities for research personnel, graduate students, government agencies, and external stakeholders. Support classroom, professional, and continuing-education activities as appropriate and perform other duties consistent with the scope and level of the position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Thorough knowledge of all job functions and broad industry best practices, techniques and standards. Exhibits ability to transfer knowledge and application of complex principles, theories and concepts to peers. Strong interpersonal skills in working with both technical and non-technical personnel at different levels in the organization. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Knowledge of grant writing and manuscript preparation. Project Management and exceptional Coordination skills.