AI Research Innovation Director

AI Research Innovation Director

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.

TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society. TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data, and goods through research, education, and technology transfer.

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).

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.

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.

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 roleResearch Innovation Lead (RIL) for AIwill 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 RILAI 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 coordination with RGLs, Division Heads, and program managers to support, not supersede, existing research leadership, and to facilitate collaboration across organizational units. The position is 100% institutionally funded for the first 1824 months to allow sufficient time for onboarding, strategic alignment, and external engagement. After this initial runway, institutional support will taper, with the remaining funding expected to come from externally sponsored projects and partnerships influenced by the RIL's efforts.

Strategic Coordination and Internal Engagement (35%) :

• Serve as the lead convener of the AI Working Group, fostering collaboration among research staff from all divisions and disciplines.
• Develop and communicate a unified vision for AI research at TTI that reflects sponsor demand, technical expertise, and institutional priorities.
• Identify synergies and coordinate joint proposals or white papers that cut across traditional silos.
• Establish transparent mechanisms for SME credit and participation by working with RGLs and Division Heads to identify models that ensure fairness and reduce internal friction.

Business Development and External Engagement (35%) :

Thought Leadership and Institutional Branding (15%) :

Team Support and Operational Infrastructure (15%) :

Required Education and Experience :

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and / or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity / Veterans / Disability Employer.