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Role Description

The Office of Performance Management (OPMI) operates as the MBTA / MassDOT’s internal research lab. We answer research questions developed both internally and externally to help us better understand how people interact with the transportation networks. Some examples of OPMI’s current research work include:

• Analyses of the impact of diversions on rider satisfaction and mode choice
• Late night transit ridership
• Rideshare competitiveness with public transit

OPMI develops and tracks performance metrics for MassDOT and the MBTA and implements strategic initiatives with a focus on data analysis to improve rider experience. Co-ops can participate in training, fieldwork, tours, conferences, and other learning opportunities as available. By the end of their co-op, they will have gained experience managing multiple concurrent projects, collaborating with multiple departments across the MBTA and MassDOT, and working with many datasets to answer a variety of real-world questions.

The Senior Travel Behavior Analytics Co-Op is a full-time, six-month position (July – December). Co-ops are expected to work 40 hours per week from 9:00am to 5:00pm. OPMI is a hybrid office, meaning co-ops will need to work in-office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but can work remotely on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The ideal candidate is someone with:

• Advanced experience in data analysis with Python, R, or SQL
• Above average experience and interest in survey and research design
• Excellent attention to detail
• Intermediate to advanced writing skills

The Senior Travel Behavior Analytics Co-Op will support transportation research projects, particularly those focused on:

• Conducting surveys
• Improving survey methodologies to better understand public transit riders
• Analyzing transportation network company (TNC, or rideshare) data to inform policy decisions

This position provides comprehensive real-world experience with longitudinal survey research projects and is a good opportunity to apply and improve skills from research design to data processing and statistical analysis.

The office is set up “hotel” style, where staff members have no assigned desk, and book space when they expect to work in-office. OPMI will provide a laptop that can be taken home for work. Our office is located at 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116 (downtown) and is accessible via transit and to people with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate/master’s degree program of an accredited college/university in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Urban Planning, Transportation, Geography, Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
• Above average ability to work with open-ended questions and managing ambiguity
• Intermediate proficiency in at least one programming language (such as R or Python) and willingness to pick up new languages
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail
• Above average ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative, fast-paced environments as well as independently
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply)

Requirements

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship/co-op program
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and/or medical Clinic screening
• Ability to work all shifts and/or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position
• Intern/co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship/co-op

Benefits

• Accrued paid sick leave
• A monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern/co-op commutes to work, at no cost