TREC Research Assistant

Position Announcement

Position Title:

TREC Research Assistant
Rank: L - Research Assistant
Position Number: D90561
Faculty Type:
Fixed Term Research/Grant (fixed term end date: 06/30/2027)
FTE:
Variable between .5 and 1.0 FTE, starting at 1.0 FTE

Proposed

Start Date:

07/01/2026

Research

• Assist the TREC Director, Research Associates, and Program Managers with applied research projects, including data collection, management, and analysis; literature reviews; communication of research in writing and orally; and reporting to funding agencies.
• Conduct literature reviews, identifying and synthesizing existing research from a wide range of sources.
• Gather data using predetermined protocols through surveys, observation (in-person and video), interviews, focus groups, and secondary sources.
• Perform basic qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis.
• Prepare regular status reports to funding agencies.
• Draft and edit reports and articles on research projects.
• Manage simple project websites that communicate project activities and outputs.
• Assist in preparing research funding proposals.
• Assist at large in-person TREC events, including set‑up, registration, clean‑up, and staff the information table.

• Master's degree in a field directly related to transportation planning, policy, or engineering.
• Ability to write in a clear, direct style.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to plan and manage multiple projects to meet critical deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) with a wide range of people and organizations.
• Collaborative and able to work as part of a team.
• Flexible and able to adjust work tasks and deadlines to meet changing priorities.
• Experience with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, and Calendar;
  Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and Adobe Acrobat.
• Knowledge of key multimodal transportation concepts.
• Experience with descriptive statistics and bivariate statistical analysis (e.g., t-tests, Chi‑square) and creating tables and graphs to display quantitative data.

• Experience in data collection, including survey administration, interviews, and/or focus groups; and experience conducting literature reviews for research.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization software such as R, SPSS, Tableau, etc.
• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
• Communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies including those on prohibited discrimination & harassment and professional standards of conduct.

Salary is dependent on several factors. The starting annual salary for this position will be $68,016 at 1.0 FTE, but may be negotiated above this rate depending on experience, skills, and budget. A benefits package includes 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.

All employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. Employees must adhere to PSU’s professional standards of conduct.

Portland State University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants who are veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Application screening begins 06/15/2026. The posting is open until 06/15/2026.