Senior Research Assistant

Position: Senior Research Assistant I

Join to apply for the Senior Research Assistant I role at Career Center at Portland State University
.

Position Announcement

Proposed

Start Date:

02/02/2026. Rank K1 - Senior research Asst I. Position Number D93203. Representation AU - AAUP. Faculty Type:
Fixed Term Research/Grant. Fixed Term End Date: 01/31/2027. Position FTE:
Variable between 0.5 and 1.0 FTE, starting at 1.0 FTE. Term of Service: 12 months.

Position Summary

The Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University (PSU) is a multidisciplinary hub for all things transportation, including the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), data programs PORTAL and Bike Ped Portal
, the Better Block PSU program, and PSU’s membership in Pac Trans, the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium
. The Senior Research Assistant I (SRA I) will assist in the technical management of two transportation data projects (PORTAL and Bike Ped Portal) that archive diverse transportation data sources and provide access and analysis through a website to transportation professionals. The role supports statistical analysis, database management, and data collection procedures.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Database and Website Management (90%) – manage or maintain data feeds and database; support back‑end and some front‑end of the web interface; develop new analysis and visualization applications and tools.
• Other duties assigned (10%) – troubleshoot and manage other web‑related projects as directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree with at least two years relevant experience.
• 2+ years of relevant data engineering experience.
• Deep familiarity with Postgre
  
  SQL (or similar relational database) and Python.
• 2+ years of PL/SQL experience.
• Advanced understanding of working with big data (> 20 TB) and concurrent management of multiple data sources, database tuning (changing parameters, creating indexes, partitioning tables, clustering data).
• Very good at creating complex queries and analyzing data.
• Experience with Linux operating systems and routine server administration tasks.
• 2+ years of Django framework experience.
• Experience with Apache, NGINX, uWSGI web servers, Celery and Supervisor.
• Familiarity with PHP, Code Igniter, and building RESTful APIs.
• Experience building technical documentation.
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Strong teamwork ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrates cultural competence and inclusiveness.
• Communicates effectively across diverse settings.
• Adheres to PSU policies on prohibited discrimination, harassment, and professional conduct.

Professional Standards of Conduct

At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment. The policies are available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Total Compensation & Benefits Statement

The starting annual salary is $67,200 (at 1.0 FTE). Benefits include 95% premium‑paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any Oregon University System schools. Total compensation calculator: https://.

Application Instructions

To apply, send resume, cover letter, and optional work sample (e.g., GITHUB link). Reference letters will be requested only if selected for further consideration. The posting closes 12/22/2025. No background check is required.

Applicant Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Work Sample (optional)

Supplemental Questions

• * Highest degree earned? (Open Ended)
• * Specific field/discipline of degree? (Open Ended)
• How did you first find out about this position? (Open Ended)
• Source options include: PSU website, Indeed, Chronicle of Higher Education, Higher Ed Jobs, HERCJobs, Referral, Professional Listserv, Professional Journal, Other.

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