Technical Assistant Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

Technical Assistant II (UMATC)
Job no: 509166
Work type: Staff
Location: Amherst
Categories: Hybrid, Remote, Transportation, Riccio College of Engineering, Full Time, USA/MTA
Title: Technical Assistant II (UMATC)
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: Engineering
Department: UMass Trans Ctr
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid or Remote
Job Summary
The technical assistant will provide assistance and support for highway safety research projects through data analysis, technical execution, and development of project deliverables. This is a 4 month appointment; continuation is contingent on funding.
Essential Functions
Conduct data analysis using transportation safety datasets (e.g., crash, roadway, enforcement, citation data) to support research objectives and reporting needs.
Clean, validate, and prepare datasets for analysis, including quality checks, documentation, and reproducible workflows.
Develop tables, figures, maps, and summaries to support technical reports, presentations, and stakeholder materials.
Draft and contribute to technical reports, white papers, and research briefs, translating analytical results into clear, structured findings.
Support literature reviews and technical scans; summarize findings to inform project tasks and recommendations.
Apply established statistical methods and analytical approaches under the direction of senior research staff.
Assist in the development and application of exposure-based metrics and performance measures for safety analysis.
Utilize SQL and other analytical tools (e.g., R, Python, GIS) to query, manage, and analyze large datasets.
Support GIS-based analysis, including mapping, spatial joins, and visualization of safety data.
Maintain organized documentation of data sources, methodologies, and analytical processes to ensure reproducibility.
Assist with preparation of presentations and materials for meetings, conferences, and stakeholder briefings.
Other Functions
All other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience in transportation, traffic engineering, human factors, data science, public health, statistics, regulatory, public policy, enforcement or other related field.
Experience conducting data cleaning, validation, and basic statistical analysis.
Ability to interpret data and communicate findings clearly through written reports and visualizations.
Experience working on deliverable based projects.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher.
Ability to be a self-starter and to carry through assignments with a minimum amount of supervision.
Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as organizational and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with data analysis tools such as SQL, R, Python, Excel, or similar.
Knowledge of specific Program activities.
Ability to coordinate grant funded activities in a university environment.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday - Friday within standard working hours.
This is a 4 month appointment; continuation is contingent on funding.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the University Staff Association, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement.
This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the University Staff Association, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 14
Click here to view the Classified Step Scale
Additional Details
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Advertised: 02 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 02 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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