CDL Research Assistant

Job Description

Dedicated to solving the most challenging problems for truck and bus developers fleets and drivers/operators. VTTIs 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. VTTIs 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 85000 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 worlds roads. (

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 (60%) Driving one of VTTIs 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 (30%) 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 50% travel. This could include travel to any of the 50 states. Ideal candidate will reside in Blacksburg New River Valley or Roanoke areas.

In order to remain compliant with VT Policy 4061 and to incorporate required DOT Hiring Practices several pre-employment criteria will be required: conviction and driving record check pre-employment drug screening driving record reviews FMSCA Clearinghouse queries 49 CFR 391.21 requirements (12 requirements of application) 49 CFR 40.25(j) requirements (drug testing in last 2 years) 49 CFR 391.31 requirements (road test) 49 CFR 391.51 (b) requirements (driver qualification file) and 49 CFR 391.23 requirements (Safety and Performance History). The successful candidate (s) will be required to provide copies of their CDL and Medical Certificates. There will be annual Safety and Performance Investigations via the Clearinghouse for those that have operated CMVs for another employer in the last 3 years.

Required Qualifications

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.
Excels with public speaking to large groups.
Excellent attention to detail.
Strong work habits and the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
Creative independent and highly motivated.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree or training in education business administration engineering or psychology with a strong background in education with high school teens.
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 Excel skills office suite).

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $25/hr; Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

Up to 30

Review Date

10/14/2026

Additional Information

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

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt 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 aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors 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 numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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.