Description
We are seeking a talented Transportation Data Scientist at the junior to mid-level to support FHWA-funded projects at the intersection of AI, data science, and transportation. This role involves assisting in the development and deployment of AI/ML models for applications such as vehicle load classification using weigh-in-motion (WIM) data and imagery, crash prediction in traffic management centers (TMCs), and creating data ecosystems for trustworthy AI.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist in conducting data and literature reviews, including targeted searches for AI methods, datasets, and technologies relevant to freight analytics, traffic safety, and operations.
- Prepare and integrate datasets for AI use cases, including cleaning, normalizing, enriching, and fusing multi-source data.
- Contribute to the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML models for transportation applications.
- Evaluate AI model performance under diverse conditions and provide recommendations for improving model robustness, scalability, and trustworthiness.
- Support stakeholder outreach and engagement, including organizing peer exchanges, workshops, and technical briefings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment with USDOT goals.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Transportation Engineering, or a related field; Ph.D. preferred.
- 2+ years of professional experience in data science and AI/ML.
- Demonstrated familiarity in machine learning frameworks, data processing tools, and AI techniques.
- Strong experience in data preparation and integration, including ETL processes and handling multimodal data.
- Strong analytical skills with familiarity in model evaluation metrics and testing AI systems under varied conditions.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and technical reporting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience working with state DOTs or federal transportation agencies on AI initiatives.
- Familiarity with transportation-specific data sources and standards.
- Experience in synthetic data generation, generative AI, or physics-informed ML for transportation applications.
- Knowledge of federal AI governance, risk management, and equity considerations in transportation.
Anticipated salary range for this role is $100,000-$120,000.