Principal Scientist - Collaborative Safety Research Center
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
Posted on Aug 19, 2025
Overview
Who we are
Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.
To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.
Who we’re looking for
Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) is looking for a passionate and highly motivated principal scientist. The primary responsibility of this role is to serve as a technical leader for multiple research projects related to analysis of motor vehicle traffic, near-crashes, and crashes toward future safety system prioritization.
CSRC mission is “external research collaborations to help inform future safety products, policy, and promotion of a safe mobility society for all.” CSRC works with other Toyota affiliates globally and with leading external research institutes to answer multidisciplinary safety questions of strategic importance to Toyota and for societal benefit. For more information please see: https://amrd.toyota.com/division/csrc/.
What you’ll be doing
Independently analyze public traffic safety databases (CISS, CRSS, NASS, FARS, etc.) and internal datasets to study the performance, relevance, and safety benefits of novel behavioral, active, or passive safety technologies to guide safety prioritization and system specifications.
Direct external researchers or other collaborators to optimize supplier and company resources while achieving consistent on-time project deliverables with high quality
Critically evaluate research output quality and regularly sharing interim results and final conclusions within internal global Toyota group stakeholders
Actively seek out and anticipate customer needs (e.g., safety policymakers, product planners, societal gaps, etc.) to identify and propose new areas for safety research work
Negotiate with internal global Toyota group stakeholders, external researchers, and other collaborators to develop successful research projects based on specific or sometimes vague safety questions
Utilize and coach others in general statistical knowledge to conduct transportation safety related data analysis using R, Python, or related software.
Represent Toyota to outside safety stakeholders to help inform future regulations, policies, standards, and ratings in a manner consistent with Toyota Vision and Values
Effectively communicate results and conclusions using appropriate data visualizations in presentations and reports.
Assist in developing systems for organizing data to analyze, identify and report trends.
Share expertise and knowledge with team members to mentor and develop others
Act as technical advisor to CSRC leadership in area(s) of expertise to assist with overall CSRC strategy and mission
What you’ll bring
Masters degree or above in engineering, data science, or related technical field
5 years experience in Crash data analysis and statistical analysts experience in a research, industry or regulatory role
Familiarity with development and limitations of driver assistance and active safety system features.
3+ years Proficiency with traffic safety databases and data analysis software such as R, Python, or related statistical tools to perform processes necessary to examine datasets
3+ years of Project management experience including creating timelines with measurable outputs and tracking project status from project creation through to completion for multiple, parallel projects
Experience creating and executing research funding proposals including justification and acceptance criteria
Experience interacting with or exposure to NHTSA, IIHS, or other road traffic safety advocates
Added bonus if you have
Doctoral degree (PhD) in engineering or related technical field
Data analysis experience (Big Data) including working with large datasets including experience utilizing AWS, Docker or similar cloud-based infrastructure
Direct working experience with NHTSA, IIHS, or other road traffic safety advocates
Experience developing standards for SAE, ISO or other standards development organizations
Automotive industry experience in performance evaluation (passive or active safety)
Coaching and mentoring experience
Experience delivering technical presentations at conferences and/or other public forums
Experience developing peer-reviewed journal articles and/or patent applications (branch question to links for publications or add attachments)
Completion of Toyota business practice (TBP) panel (for Toyota Team Members only)
What we’ll bring
During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:
A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount.
Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable).
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute
Paid holidays and paid time off
Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools, and more
Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
Belonging at Toyota
Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.
Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to talent.acquisition@toyota.com.