Graduate Research Assistant - Community Engagement & Emerging Technology (Waco MPO Smart Corridors Project)

Job Posting Title:

Graduate Research Assistant - Community Engagement & Emerging Technology (Waco MPO Smart Corridors Project)

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Hiring Department:

IC2 Institute

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

20

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

Under the direction of Program Manager of Strategy and Engagement, the GRA will collaborate closely with IC² staff, UTCTR partners, and a community engagement specialist based in Waco.  This position requires independence, professionalism, and the ability to collaborate across organizations. 

The Waco MPO Smart Corridors project supports innovative, equitable, and sustainable corridor planning through data driven analysis and meaningful community engagement. A central goal of the project is to engage community members and stakeholders in understanding corridor challenges, sharing local knowledge, and exploring how new and emerging technologies might support future solutions.

IC² leads the design and execution of community and stakeholder engagement activities that surface social, economic, and historical context to inform planning and decision-making.

This is a temporary benefits eligible position ending on December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on business need and funding availability. Appointment is tied to the Waco MPO project timeline.  Majority of work concentrated in the first two years of the project. 

Funding details regarding tuition assistance are currently under review.  

Purpose

The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) will play a lead role in executing community and stakeholder engagement activities for the Waco MPO Smart Corridors project. The role emphasizes education focused engagement, qualitative input gathering, and synthesis of community perspectives related to corridor planning and emerging technologies. 

Responsibilities

• Support and help lead community workshops, listening sessions, and stakeholder interviews. Assist with preparation, facilitation, note‑taking, and follow‑up synthesis for engagement activities.

• Assist in designing engagement activities that educate participants and invite input on corridor challenges and potential technology‑enabled solutions. Support development of engagement formats, prompts, and activities that balance education and feedback.

• Coordinate engagement efforts with project partners and local stakeholders. Work with IC² staff, CTR, Waco MPO, and local partners to support scheduling, preparation, and alignment (logistics led by partners).

• Develop engagement materials (presentations, discussion guides, summaries) in collaboration with CTR and the project team. Prepare draft slides, discussion guides, briefing materials, and post‑engagement summaries.

• Synthesize qualitative input into clear, accessible summaries and insights to inform corridor planning. Analyze notes, transcripts, and other qualitative inputs and produce concise internal memos highlighting themes, insights, and implications.

• Participate in project meetings and contribute to cross‑team coordination. Attend project meetings, provide updates, and support coordination across research and planning teams.

• Travel to Waco up to 1–2 times during the project, as needed. Support in‑person engagement activities or meetings when required.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate student with background or experience in community engagement, qualitative research, public policy, planning, education, or related fields

• Strong writing, synthesis, and communication skills

• Interest in community-centered approaches to problem solving and learning

• Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with limited supervision

• Experience with transportation, infrastructure, or urban planning is preferred but not required

• Interest in emerging technologies or innovation in public sector contexts is a plus

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

• Currently enrolled as a UT Austin graduate student and able to meet all student worker eligibility requirements.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Salary Range

$28,000 + depending on qualifications

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