Professor Jobs at University of Kentucky with Visa Sponsorship
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Regular Title Series
Requisition Number: FE05006
Working Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences Organic Biogeochemist
Department Name: 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education
Applicants must have an earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas.
Required Related Experience
Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is desirable.
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Job Summary
Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Regular Title Series
Responsibilities: This is a tenure eligible position with a 12-month appointment and approximately 80% research, 15% teaching, 5% service responsibilities. The annual DOE will be aligned with this colleague’s strengths and college/department needs. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.
Research: The selected individual will develop a nationally and internationally recognized program in organic biogeochemistry with an emphasis on agroecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and the critical zone. The candidate will apply advanced analytical, mass spectrometry, and/or other spectroscopic techniques to improve our understanding of the molecular-level processes involved in the fate and cycling of natural organic matter and its interactions with anthropogenic organic contaminants and nutrients, as well as the implications for larger scale outcomes related to climate change, agricultural productivity, soil and water quality, and human health.
It is strongly emphasized that the candidate is expected to collaborate with researchers in department’s well-established programs in soil science, agroecosystem ecology, environmental sciences, plant biology, and crop science, researchers from other Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment departments, and with researchers across campus focused on carbon cycling and environmental fate and transport of organic contaminants.
Teaching: The incumbent will be expected to develop a graduate level course in environmental and agricultural organic analytical chemistry/applied mass spectrometry to be taught every other year. The course will serve the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences graduate program and graduate programs across campus focused on environmental sciences. During alternate years, the incumbent will teach an undergraduate course focused on biogeochemistry and/or climate change.
Service: As a land-grant university, service to department, college, university, professional society, and/or society at large is expected.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have an earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas. Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is desirable. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is required. It is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.
RANK AND SALARY: The rank of this position is at the Assistant or Associate Professor level depending on review of qualifications. Salary is negotiable and is commensurate with training and experience.
Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
THE ENVIRONMENT: The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MGCAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready. For more than 130 years, MGCAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development.
The University of Kentucky is an institution with over 27,500 undergraduate and 9,500 graduate students. UK is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land grant institution. We have a university commitment to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond and that is why environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our institution’s legacy. We are recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and are recognized as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, which offers the vibrancy of an urban location while being in close proximity to working landscapes and recognized wilderness areas. It is a thriving community of 320,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts. Lexington is in the Bluegrass Region, an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region.
QUESTIONS AND/OR NOMINATIONS TO:
Dr. Jason Unrine
Chair, Search Committee
N-122T Agriculture Science Center North
1100 S. Limestone
University of Kentucky
Lexington KY 40546-0091
Phone: 859-257-1657
Email: jason.unrine@uky.edu
APPLICATION: Completed applications should include the following: a cover letter, CV (including full legal name as it appears on passport and ORCID, if available), and statements of research and teaching interests and experiences (upload as Specific Request 1). In addition, names and contact information of three individuals from whom letters may be requested should be included in the application packet.
Applications should be submitted by November 1, 2026, for full consideration, while the position will remain open until filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. In your uploaded document, please begin with a cover letter that outlines your approach to the position’s responsibilities, your qualifications, and your vision for innovative and impactful research programs that address existing and emerging issues, followed by the name, address, email, and phone number for three references, and conclude with career curriculum vita and relevant statements.
If you need assistance with the electronic application process, contact HR/ Employment, phone (859) 257-9555, press 2, or email ukjobs@email.uky.edu.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is required. It is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Regular Title Series
Requisition Number: FE05006
Working Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences Organic Biogeochemist
Department Name: 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education
Applicants must have an earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas.
Required Related Experience
Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is desirable.
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Job Summary
Assistant or Associate Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Regular Title Series
Responsibilities: This is a tenure eligible position with a 12-month appointment and approximately 80% research, 15% teaching, 5% service responsibilities. The annual DOE will be aligned with this colleague’s strengths and college/department needs. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.
Research: The selected individual will develop a nationally and internationally recognized program in organic biogeochemistry with an emphasis on agroecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and the critical zone. The candidate will apply advanced analytical, mass spectrometry, and/or other spectroscopic techniques to improve our understanding of the molecular-level processes involved in the fate and cycling of natural organic matter and its interactions with anthropogenic organic contaminants and nutrients, as well as the implications for larger scale outcomes related to climate change, agricultural productivity, soil and water quality, and human health.
It is strongly emphasized that the candidate is expected to collaborate with researchers in department’s well-established programs in soil science, agroecosystem ecology, environmental sciences, plant biology, and crop science, researchers from other Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment departments, and with researchers across campus focused on carbon cycling and environmental fate and transport of organic contaminants.
Teaching: The incumbent will be expected to develop a graduate level course in environmental and agricultural organic analytical chemistry/applied mass spectrometry to be taught every other year. The course will serve the Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences graduate program and graduate programs across campus focused on environmental sciences. During alternate years, the incumbent will teach an undergraduate course focused on biogeochemistry and/or climate change.
Service: As a land-grant university, service to department, college, university, professional society, and/or society at large is expected.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have an earned doctorate in soil science, earth sciences, environmental sciences, aquatic sciences, environmental chemistry, or related areas. Post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry and analytical chemistry, especially high-resolution mass spectrometry, is desirable. Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is required. It is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.
RANK AND SALARY: The rank of this position is at the Assistant or Associate Professor level depending on review of qualifications. Salary is negotiable and is commensurate with training and experience.
Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
THE ENVIRONMENT: The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MGCAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready. For more than 130 years, MGCAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development.
The University of Kentucky is an institution with over 27,500 undergraduate and 9,500 graduate students. UK is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land grant institution. We have a university commitment to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond and that is why environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our institution’s legacy. We are recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and are recognized as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, which offers the vibrancy of an urban location while being in close proximity to working landscapes and recognized wilderness areas. It is a thriving community of 320,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts. Lexington is in the Bluegrass Region, an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region.
QUESTIONS AND/OR NOMINATIONS TO:
Dr. Jason Unrine
Chair, Search Committee
N-122T Agriculture Science Center North
1100 S. Limestone
University of Kentucky
Lexington KY 40546-0091
Phone: 859-257-1657
Email: jason.unrine@uky.edu
APPLICATION: Completed applications should include the following: a cover letter, CV (including full legal name as it appears on passport and ORCID, if available), and statements of research and teaching interests and experiences (upload as Specific Request 1). In addition, names and contact information of three individuals from whom letters may be requested should be included in the application packet.
Applications should be submitted by November 1, 2026, for full consideration, while the position will remain open until filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. In your uploaded document, please begin with a cover letter that outlines your approach to the position’s responsibilities, your qualifications, and your vision for innovative and impactful research programs that address existing and emerging issues, followed by the name, address, email, and phone number for three references, and conclude with career curriculum vita and relevant statements.
If you need assistance with the electronic application process, contact HR/ Employment, phone (859) 257-9555, press 2, or email ukjobs@email.uky.edu.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills is required. It is expected that the incumbent will obtain extramural funding to support a vigorous research program.
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
See all 145+ Professor Jobs at University of Kentucky
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Professor Jobs at University of Kentucky.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Professor Jobs at University of Kentucky
Align your credentials with U.S. academic standards
Foreign degrees are evaluated differently by U.S. universities. Have your transcripts assessed by a NACES-accredited credential evaluation service before applying, so your qualifications clearly map to the terminal degree expectations for the specific academic department.
Target departments with active faculty searches
University of Kentucky posts faculty openings through its HR portal and discipline-specific job boards like HigherEdJobs. Focus on departments that have posted tenure-track or visiting positions, as those listings signal an active hiring budget and an open sponsorship pathway.
Understand how J-1 fits into your long-term plan
Many universities initially place international faculty on J-1 Exchange Visitor status before transitioning to H-1B. If your J-1 carries a two-year home residency requirement, you'll need a waiver before H-1B sponsorship can proceed, which adds several months to your timeline.
Ask about PERM timing before accepting an offer
If you're targeting a Green Card through the EB-2 or EB-3 category, PERM labor certification requires the university to run a full recruitment process. Confirm with University of Kentucky's international services office when they typically initiate PERM relative to your start date.
Use Migrate Mate to identify open Professor roles
Faculty positions move quickly and aren't always easy to track across departments. Use Migrate Mate to browse Professor openings at University of Kentucky filtered by visa sponsorship, so you're applying to roles where international candidates are already supported.
Prepare your visa paperwork in sync with your contract
H-1B petitions for university faculty can be filed at any time of year since universities are cap-exempt employers. Coordinate with the Office of International Affairs early so your I-129 filing timeline aligns with your appointment start date and avoids gaps in work authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Kentucky sponsor H-1B visas for Professors?
Yes. As a nonprofit university, University of Kentucky qualifies as a cap-exempt employer under USCIS rules, which means H-1B visa petitions for faculty can be filed year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. Professors in tenure-track, clinical, research, and visiting roles are commonly sponsored. The university's Office of International Affairs manages the filing process in coordination with hiring departments.
Which visa types are commonly used for Professor roles at University of Kentucky?
H-1B is the most common nonimmigrant visa for full-time faculty. J-1 visa Exchange Visitor status is frequently used for visiting professors, postdoctoral scholars, and short-term academic appointments. TN visa classification is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying academic roles. For permanent residence, University of Kentucky sponsors eligible faculty through EB-2 or EB-3 immigrant visa categories, typically initiated after an offer is confirmed.
What qualifications are expected for Professor positions at University of Kentucky?
Tenure-track Professor roles at University of Kentucky typically require a Ph.D. or terminal degree in the relevant discipline, along with a demonstrated research record, publications, and teaching experience. Clinical or professional faculty positions may accept equivalent professional credentials. Visiting or adjunct roles sometimes have more flexible requirements depending on the department. Your degree must map clearly to the role's academic field to support a specialty occupation determination for H-1B purposes.
How do I apply for Professor jobs at University of Kentucky?
Faculty positions at University of Kentucky are posted through its official HR careers portal and listed on discipline-specific academic job boards. Applications typically require a cover letter, CV, research and teaching statements, and references. You can also browse Professor openings at University of Kentucky filtered by visa sponsorship directly on Migrate Mate, which makes it easier to identify active faculty searches where international candidates are supported.
How do I plan my timeline for H-1B sponsorship as a new faculty hire?
Because the University of Kentucky is cap-exempt, there's no April 1 filing deadline to worry about. That said, USCIS standard processing for an I-129 petition takes several months, and premium processing is available if you need faster adjudication. Coordinate with the university's international services office as early as possible, ideally before your contract is signed, so your work authorization is in place on or before your appointment start date.