Operational Safety Researcher

Reference: 04/13

Added: 28/03/2013

Location: Crowthorne, Berkshire

Salary: £25-35K per annum depending on experience

Closing Date: 31/05/2013

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES

About the role

TRL is the UK's Transport Research Laboratory, recognised world-wide for over 75 years of evidential research, technical consultancy and impartial advice that contributes to the shaping and forming of transport decisions and policy.

TRL offers practical advice to both government and private sector clients that is based on rigorous research. Our Safety Group’s areas of research include accident data analysis, behavioural change, operational safety, risk management, driver and motorcycle training and testing, work-related road safety, road safety education and evaluation of road safety interventions.

TRL is seeking to recruit an Operational Safety Researcher to play a key delivery role. Your role will involve working with our research and consultancy team to carry out a wide range of activities on a variety of road safety projects that will enable our clients to introduce real-world operational change based on sound research evidence. 

Activities will include:

• Assisting with the design of on-road trials, especially regarding practical and operational considerations affecting trial delivery
• Designing and working with mechanical, electrical and/or electronic systems used for data acquisition
• Where necessary, designing solutions for data capture using suitable instrumentation, video equipment or on-vehicle systems
• Working co-operatively with our delivery partners to deliver on-site training that ensures understanding of our operational requirements
• On-site work to deliver trials, supporting our delivery partners by checking and ensuring that trial activity is carried out correctly
• Solving issues with equipment, either by replacement or carrying out return-to-base/in-the-field maintenance 
• Writing concise, client-focused technical reports, briefing documents and technical notes, often for non-technical audiences
• Presenting findings to clients and senior stakeholders

As part of this challenging role you will have the opportunity to provide innovative solutions to research problems as well as providing technical input for research proposals. Good team working skills, the ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels and a flexible approach to working patterns are essential. Some evening and overnight work will be required during trials.

Skills and Experience

• A good degree in an engineering discipline or physical science, with proven track record / experience of delivering “hands-on” practical science or engineering in the real world. Preference will be given to candidates with mechanical engineering or proven real world ability to solve technical issues
• An approach to developing solutions to solve difficult technical problems that uses innovation or novel solutions to meet or exceed requirements
• A proven ability to manipulate, analyse and report on numerical data using standard desktop computer systems and software.
• The ability to write clear, concise, correctly punctuated and grammatically correct text in English that is matched to the needs and requirements of a target audience
• A “can-do” attitude combined with an enthusiasm for gaining new knowledge and seeking new opportunities
• A full driving licence
• Self-motivation, being able to both lead and work as a member of a team
• A working knowledge of road safety and risk issues relating to road transport, especially regarding high-speed road network safety in the UK would be highly desirable

What we can offer you

TRL can offer a flexible and rewarding business environment, a world-leading reputation in our sector and a salary and benefits package based on your level of expertise.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV quoting reference 04/13 to vacancies@trl.co.uk giving details of your qualifications, experience and present position. Your covering letter must provide details of current remuneration, contact details and give examples of:

• Where you have been required to report on numerical data, including details of the design of the analysis process and the output provided
• “Hands-on” practical engineering that you have delivered, including what your role was and how you delivered it successfully
• Where you have personally solved a difficult technical problem using an innovative solution, how that solution was developed by you and what the outcome of this work was