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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Research Assistant Professor, Assistant Center Director

Rail Center for Research Enhancing Short-line Transportation (Rail CREST)

Penn State Altoona

The Rail Center for Research Enhancing Short-line Transportation (Rail CREST) at Penn State Altoona invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor or open rank position to serve as Assistant Center Director. Rail CREST is a federally funded research center supported by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) through the CRISI program. The center focuses on developing affordable technologies, workforce development programs, and safety innovations for the U.S. short-line railroad industry.

The Assistant Center Director will play a key leadership role in supporting the strategic growth and daily operation of Rail CREST, working closely with the Center Director, partner universities, industry partners, and federal stakeholders. The successful candidate will help coordinate research activities across multiple institutions while contributing technically to projects focused on rail infrastructure monitoring, sensing technologies, data analytics, and intelligent transportation systems.

Responsibilities

Support the strategic planning and daily operation of the Rail CREST Center.
Coordinate research activities across multiple partner universities and industry collaborators.
Facilitate engagement with the Industrial Advisory Board, railroads, and federal stakeholders.
Assist with the development of new research proposals and technology transfer initiatives.
Lead and contribute to research projects related to rail infrastructure sensing, structural health monitoring, instrumentation systems, data analytics, and artificial intelligence applications in rail transportation.
Manage or oversee field deployments, laboratory testing, and instrumentation development.
Support workforce development and training programs associated with the center.
Teach occasional undergraduate or graduate courses within the Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) program when needed.
Assist with industry-facing testing, demonstrations, and commercialization activities related to rail technologies.
Supervise research staff, graduate students, and project teams.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Railroad Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated research expertise in rail infrastructure, structural health monitoring, sensing systems, instrumentation, or transportation infrastructure analytics.
Experience working with data-driven technologies such as sensor networks, machine learning, or AI-enabled infrastructure monitoring.
Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to coordinate multi-institutional research projects.
Ability to work effectively with industry partners, government agencies, and academic collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with railroad infrastructure systems including track, bridges, or railway operations.
Experience deploying or managing field instrumentation systems or sensing networks.
Experience working with federally funded research programs (e.g., FRA, USDOT, NSF).
Leadership or project management experience within multi-institutional research initiatives.
Teaching experience in engineering programs.
Interest in technology transfer and industry collaboration.

About Rail CREST

Rail CREST is a national research center dedicated to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of short-line railroads in the United States. The center focuses on developing affordable sensing technologies, intelligent infrastructure monitoring systems, and workforce training programs that directly support the needs of regional and short-line railroads. The center brings together multiple universities, industry partners, and railroad operators to advance applied research and technology deployment in the rail sector.

Appointment

This is a non-tenure-line 36-week research faculty position at the rank of Research Assistant Professor, or open rank, depending on qualifications and experience. The appointment is expected to be 12-month, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

Application

Applicants should submit:

Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position
Contact information for three professional references

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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