AI Research Innovation Director

Job Title

AI Research Innovation Director

Agency

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department

Operations Group

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who are we?

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 75 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society.

Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Our Work Environment

Entrepreneurial culture

Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty

Ability to work with nationally recognized experts

Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals

Premier office and research facilities and equipment

Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground

Outstanding research support services

Hybrid work environment/telecommuting

Flexible work hours

Family friendly

High staff retention rates

Leadership development and wellness programs

Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements

Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs.

https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/

What you need to know

• TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in a TTI Texas based office. This can be discussed further during the interview process.

• The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary

As part of its broader vision to lead in critical research areas, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is launching a new leadership initiative to elevate and coordinate its capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This role—Research Innovation Lead (RIL) for AI—will serve as a strategic connector, driving collaboration and institutional positioning in one of the most transformative areas of applied transportation research. TTI is seeking a collaborative, visionary leader to serve as RIL –AI. This position will work across disciplines to advance TTI’s AI research agenda, expand external partnerships, and drive and expand innovation across the Institute’s research portfolio.

This is a strategic, outward-facing role designed for a dynamic leader with a strong background in AI applications, business development, and cross-disciplinary teamwork. The RIL–AI will coordinate AI-related efforts across research groups, foster collaboration among Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and position TTI as a leader in AI-enabled transportation research.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of business growth and sponsor engagement, including experience identifying and securing funding from public and private sources. We are seeking someone with recognized technical, scientific, and/or business leadership at the national or international level, and with the strategic mindset to position TTI as a thought leader in AI-enabled transportation research and applications. This role requires not only visionary thinking and business acumen, but also a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in the face of rapidly evolving AI technologies and methods.

This role reports to the TTI Research Group Leader for Operations and is supported by a junior staff member, internal SMEs, and institutional funding for strategic activities. The RIL will work in close coordi