Research Assistant

Overview

Are you dedicated to making New Jersey a safer place for active transportation? Are you self-motivated, able to produce graphics and report layouts, and interested in gaining research and design experience?  The Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center is hiring students to work as Research Assistants at its New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center (BPRC) and the New Jersey Safe Routes Resource Center (SRRC).

About the New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center:

NJ BPRC assists public officials, transportation and health professionals, and the public in creating a safer and more accessible walking and bicycling environment through primary research, education and dissemination of information about best practices in policy and design. Current and upcoming projects include preparing guides about micromobility and street lighting, a report on Complete Streets for people with autism, and providing technical assistance to small communities around the state.

About the New Jersey Safe Routes Program:

NJ SRRC supports New Jersey’s Safe Routes to School Program, a statewide initiative that partners with schools and communities to prioritize and implement opportunities for people to walk, bike, or travel by other wheeled devices. Current and upcoming projects include developing interactive sessions to encourage walking and bicycling through our Safe Routes Academy, expanding SRTS programming to high schools, expanding guidelines and resources for creating School Travel Plans, and case studies regarding best practices bicycle and pedestrian oriented improvements in school zones.

Examples of Duties:

Students hired for this position will work on a variety of projects and tasks. Depending on the needs of VTC and each student’s skill set, students will:

·         Use InDesign to lay out reports for publication;

·         Assist with bicycle and pedestrian research projects (such as collecting field data, writing literature reviews, summarizing data);

·         Create PowerPoint presentations;

·         Prepare GIS maps;

·         Write blog articles and prepare newsletters which highlight exciting active transportation news/events;

·         Update project websites, using WordPress.

Minimum Qualifications:

·         Undergraduate/Graduate student at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy or the School of Public Health.

·         Passion for active transportation, research, and safety.

·         Strong graphic design skills using software such as Illustrator, InDesign and/or GIS.

·         Punctual, accurate, and detail oriented.

·         Able to work well independently and in groups.

·         Comfortable conducting outreach in a variety of settings throughout New Jersey.

Desired Qualifications:

·         Excellent writing ability.

Research Assistants will work remotely up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours during the summer break. Pay is commensurate with experience, starting at $19/hour. Depending on performance and needs, the position may continue through Fall 2025. Email cover letter and resume to james.sinclair@ejb.rutgers.edu with the job title in the subject line.