Postdoctoral Scholar Research - CUTR

Position Summary:

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support applied research and program development in transportation and traffic safety. The successful candidate will develop data collection plans and conduct advanced analytical research related to roadway safety, crash analysis, vulnerable road users, and behavioral safety. The position will also contribute to the development of transportation safety planning documents such as Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSPs), Vision Zero plans, and Comprehensive Safety Action Plans. The selected candidate will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary research teams, transportation agencies, and community stakeholders to support data-driven safety initiatives and evidence-based transportation policy and planning efforts.

This position offers an opportunity to work on multidisciplinary projects involving traffic safety analytics, policy development, transportation planning, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven safety strategies.

This is a full-time position. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Postdoctoral appointments are initially for 12 months with opportunities for renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct data collection and statistical analyses of transportation datasets, including traffic crashes, behavioral, roadway, citation, hospital, and exposure data.
• Conduct GIS and spatial analyses to identify crash patterns, high-risk locations, and exposure relationships.
• Lead and conduct original research related to transportation safety, crash typing, human behavior, and roadway risk factors.
• Develop and apply advanced statistical models, machine learning approaches, and predictive analytics techniques such as video-based analysis.
• Design and implement data-driven methodologies for evaluating transportation safety interventions and policies.
• Collaborate with transportation agencies, research partners, and multidisciplinary teams on funded research projects.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and policy briefs.
• Support development of externally funded research proposals (e.g., USDOT, NHTSA, NSF, state DOTs).

Minimum Qualifications:

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution and appropriate experience and training within a selected area of specialization. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Fellow.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering or a closely related field (systems engineering, civil engineering, computer science, urban planning, data science, etc.)
• Experience with GIS/spatial analysis
• Demonstrated research experience ( ≥ 1 year) in transportation engineering or related areas
• Practical experience with computer vision
• Evidence of scholarly productivity (peer-reviewed manuscripts) and experience preparing research proposals
• This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”) was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence. With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.