CDL Research Assistant

Dedicated to solving the most challenging problems for truck and bus developers, fleets, and drivers/operators. VTTI’s Division of Freight, Transit, & Heavy Vehicle Safety (DHVY) is seeking hard working, innovative, flexible, and qualified individual with an interest to learn, participate in, and deliver transportation related research and as well as putting that research to practice. VTTI’s research to practice includes the highly successful Sharing the Road with Trucks outreach program is dedicated to teaching driver education students, and the community, how to safely share the road with trucks and other large vehicles. VTTI has reached over 85,000 teen and adult drivers in the past 7 years and intends to continue educating the public about the dangers that come from being on the road with commercial motor vehicles. Our institute seeks a CDL holder to help drive our trucks and take our program on the road to states across the country to educate novice drivers and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be outgoing, confident, and a dynamic speaker whose message resonates with teens.

Additionally, VTTI conducts large truck and bus research projects which range from small test-track experiments using a single next-generation heavy vehicle to large naturalistic studies involving hundreds of vehicles on live roadways. The research often features data acquisition systems to unobtrusively collect various sensor elements with the aim of characterizing the roadway, vehicle, and driver performance. These measures and robust data sets are analyzed to address specific research questions that tend to focus on the characterization of existing transportation problems (e.g. crash causation) and/or the performance/development of advanced or automated vehicle systems (e.g. crash avoidance technology). This role requires demonstrated ability to consistently follow safety procedures for vehicle operations, exercise discretion and judgment as well as problem solving, communication, organization, and documentation skills. As a member of the team, this position requires previous experience conducting similar tasks in a related field. The ideal candidate will also have a passion for road safety, and expertise in articulating scientific findings to engage and motivate the public.

At the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), a world-leading research enterprise, we are working with government agencies, transportation and safety organizations, vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers, and others to overcome challenges and improve transportation safety and performance on the world’s roads (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4VWviw5JA).

Transportation affects the safety and quality of lives of almost everyone. You can play a part in saving lives by educating drivers about the safety countermeasures and risks associated with commercial motor vehicles.

Key responsibilities include:
1. Sharing the Road Events (50%) Driving one of VTTI’s Sharing the Road tractor-trailers and leading and/or assisting both in class and hands-on demonstration components of the program. Creating an inclusive, informative, and engaging learning environment.
2. Research Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver (40%) to assist with conducting various research tasks. This may include interaction with participants during data collection
3. Program/Research Support (10%)

This position will involve up to 25% travel. This could include travel to any of the 50 states. Ideal will reside in Blacksburg, New River Valley, or Roanoke areas.

Applicant must meet requirements listed in 49 CFR 391.21 including:
- Applicant's biographical information
- CDL information, past and present
- Commercial driving work history (past 10 years)

- Currently holds a valid Class A CDL in good standing.
- Has a minimum of one year experience driving an articulated commercial motor vehicle.
- Has a valid and up to date DOT physical.
- Strong communication skills and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced setting.
- Willingness to be trained to operate a range of vehicles for testing.
- ABility to speak with large audiences.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong work habits and the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
- Creative, independent, and highly motivated.
- Must meet requirements listed in 49 CFR 391.21 (applicant's biographical information, CDL information past and present, Commercial Driving work history past 10 years)

- Degree or coursework in education, business administration, engineering, or psychology with a background in education at the high school level.
- Demonstrated experience drafting research protocols directed at data collection, data download, data reduction, and data analysis using specialized human factors techniques and methods.
- Demonstrated proficiency with research software (i.e. strong spreadsheet, office suite).

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Restricted

Starting at $25/hr, commensurate with experience

Up to 30

9/5/2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position. 

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.