Director, Research Operations Posting Number req27496
Department Civil Arch Engr and Mechanics
Department Website Link Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights The Center for Applied Transportation Sciences (CATS) in the University of Arizona College of Engineering seeks an accomplished transportation professional to serve as Assistant Director for Operations. Reporting directly to the CATS Director, the Assistant Director provides senior-level scientific, operational, and strategic leadership across the Center's portfolio of complex, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional transportation research programs and initiatives. The position is responsible for translating Center priorities into coordinated research and operational plans; directing personnel, resources, and project activities; developing and securing externally sponsored research; and cultivating partnerships with government agencies, universities, and private-sector organizations. The Assistant Director serves as a senior representative of CATS and provides substantial independent judgment and leadership in Center-wide operations, research program development, personnel coordination, quality assurance, and long-range planning. This position also partially support Arizona Transportation Institute (AZTI) of data sharing and project management.
CATS is a college-level research center established at the University of Arizona in 2021. CATS serves as a research, training, and capacity-building resource for regional governments, educational institutions, and private-sector organizations in the development of Smart Communities. The Center's research activities include, but are not limited to, Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), transportation system performance management, intelligent transportation systems, transportation planning, smart mobility and Mobility on Demand (MOD), transportation safety, big data analytics, transportation system simulation and analysis, traffic operations, and emerging transportation technologies.
Duties & Responsibilities 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.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
- Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. (JD Expert)
Preferred Qualifications- Master's or Ph.D. in Transportation, Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
- Experience in transportation data collection methods and technologies.
- Established track record in developing strong proposals and securing funding.
- Established experience of leading and managing sponsored research projects.
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $86,870 - $112,932
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 11
Compensation Guidance The
Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The
Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level M3
Job Family Researchers & Scientists
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 11/13/2026
Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Dr. Yao-Jan Wu
Professor, Civil and Architectural Engineering / Mechanics
yaojan@arizona.edu
Open Date 10/28/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant 
