Senior Research Associate

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities. 

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For”. Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

What We Are Looking For

Baylor University is seeking a Senior Research Associate within the School of Engineering and Computer Science to oversee the day-to-day operations of the research projects conducted in the Advanced Vehicle Intelligence and Autonomy (AVIA) lab. This role involves managing project timelines, budgets, personnel, and communications to ensure that research objectives are met on time and within scope. The Senior Research Associate will serve as the primary point of contact between the research team, funding agencies, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the Senior Research Associate will support research coordination, data management, and dissemination of findings to ensure the project meets its scientific and technical goals. 

A Master’s Degree and at least one year of relevant work experience is required. A Doctoral Degree is preferred. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong project management skills, particularly in research-driven environments
• Understanding of research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in budget management and financial reporting
• Experience in research compliance, grant writing, and reporting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience with scientific writing and publication processes is a plus

This position is expected to be grant funded until May 31, 2027.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

What You Will Do

• Work with the Principal Investigator (PI) to develop and maintain project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Coordinate research activities and ensure that project goals are aligned with overall research objectives
• Facilitate research collaboration among investigators, graduate students, and other stakeholders
• Assist in the development of research methodologies, data collection strategies, and analysis plans
• Ensure research findings are documented, analyzed, and integrated into project deliverables
• Support the preparation of manuscripts, technical papers, and conference presentations
• Oversee the project budget, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with funding agency guidelines
• Prepare project financial reports and projections for internal and external stakeholders
• Facilitate collaboration among research team members and foster a productive research environment
• Schedule regular meetings to track progress, troubleshoot challenges, and address research gaps
• Support student researchers by ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to conduct experiments and data analysis
• Manage research data, ensuring proper documentation, storage, and accessibility according to best practices and compliance regulations
• Ensure that all research activities comply with university policies, ethical guidelines, and funding agency requirements
• Prepare and submit progress reports, final reports, and any required documentation to funding agencies
• Maintain proper documentation of research protocols, experimental results, and project activities
• Serve as the primary liaison between the research team, university administration, and external stakeholders
• Organize and coordinate annual review meetings to present research progress and findings
• Coordinate K-12 outrea