Research Associate Jobs at University of Kentucky with Visa Sponsorship
Research Associate jobs at University of Kentucky are regularly available across its colleges and research centers, with the institution maintaining a well-established process for sponsoring international researchers. If you're pursuing lab, clinical, or faculty-adjacent research roles, UK actively supports candidates through the visa process.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Research Administrator Associate
Requisition Number: RE55374
Department Name: 40130:Sponsored Projects Administration
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 45
Salary Range: $48,214-79,560/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MA
Required Related Experience: 3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: Sitting and typing at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.
Shift: Fully remote position
Monday – Friday; 8:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST
Job Summary
Shape the Future of Research Administration at the University of Kentucky
Wildcat Wisdom, Kentucky Innovation – Supporting Discoveries, Transforming Outcomes!
Why Join Us?
The University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Administrator Associate. This vital role supports and enables groundbreaking research across the University.
About the Role:
This position is eligible for remote work.
The Research Administrator Associate will manage industry and federal clinical trial agreements and other contracts. The responsibilities include contract review and negotiation, collaboration with clinical trial study teams to ensure appropriate terms and allowable budgets, sponsored project account establishment, interpretation and implementation of University policies and procedures, sponsor regulations and State/Federal law, and tracking of cash received. This position will also provide responsive and appropriate administrative guidance to faculty, staff, and sponsor agencies.
A successful candidate will have the ability to understand, interpret, and research complex and varied regulations, think critically and work collegially in order to successfully resolve questions and issues for faculty, staff, and colleagues, communicate timely and professionally to a range of individuals, have the ability to multitask and prioritize, have a strong attention to detail, and have a willingness to be a lifelong learner.
Why Research Professionals Choose University of Kentucky
- Top 10% of Academic Medical Centers Nationwide: Recognized as a leader in research excellence and innovation.
- Forbes’ Best Large Employers: Ranked among the Top 100 Employers Nationwide in 2024 and named one of Kentucky’s Best Employers on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers list.
- 1 of 34 Universities Nationwide: Holds the prestigious trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging, and translational science.
- Flexible Remote Work Options: Enjoy the convenience of fully remote or hybrid roles while supporting groundbreaking research.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, virtual conferences, and training programs to advance your career.
Want to learn more about the Department?
OSPA is responsible for administering over $480 million in extramural grants and contracts awarded through the University of Kentucky Research Foundation. Services are available to all University faculty and staff and include: advice and assistance with budget preparation and other administrative requirements of proposals; proposal submission; review, negotiation and acceptance of awards; interpretation and information regarding sponsor policies and regulations; preparation of subcontract documents; administration of UK’s Conflict of Interest Policy. More information about the department can be found at: https://research.uky.edu/sponsored-project-services/about/OSPA.
Interested in what UK Benefits have to offer?
The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a benefits package that helps us recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. In addition to your take-home pay, your benefits package is a major component of your total compensation at UK. These benefits include our 200 percent match on eligible retirement contributions; competitive health, dental, and vision coverage; tuition benefits for classes at UK, and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Ready to Make a Difference in Research Administration?
Are you ready to take the next step in advancing research and innovation? Join us in UK’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration as the next dedicated Research Administrator Associate and play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking projects that shape the future.
The University of Kentucky uses equivalencies in determining if a potential applicant meets the minimum education and experience. Related experience can be substituted for education. Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies.
Driving Research Excellence – Apply Today!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Certified Research Administrator preferred.
Deadline to Apply: 08/13/2026
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.
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: Research Administrator Associate
Requisition Number: RE55374
Department Name: 40130:Sponsored Projects Administration
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 45
Salary Range: $48,214-79,560/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MA
Required Related Experience: 3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: Sitting and typing at a computer workstation for extended periods of time.
Shift: Fully remote position
Monday – Friday; 8:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST
Job Summary
Shape the Future of Research Administration at the University of Kentucky
Wildcat Wisdom, Kentucky Innovation – Supporting Discoveries, Transforming Outcomes!
Why Join Us?
The University of Kentucky’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Administrator Associate. This vital role supports and enables groundbreaking research across the University.
About the Role:
This position is eligible for remote work.
The Research Administrator Associate will manage industry and federal clinical trial agreements and other contracts. The responsibilities include contract review and negotiation, collaboration with clinical trial study teams to ensure appropriate terms and allowable budgets, sponsored project account establishment, interpretation and implementation of University policies and procedures, sponsor regulations and State/Federal law, and tracking of cash received. This position will also provide responsive and appropriate administrative guidance to faculty, staff, and sponsor agencies.
A successful candidate will have the ability to understand, interpret, and research complex and varied regulations, think critically and work collegially in order to successfully resolve questions and issues for faculty, staff, and colleagues, communicate timely and professionally to a range of individuals, have the ability to multitask and prioritize, have a strong attention to detail, and have a willingness to be a lifelong learner.
Why Research Professionals Choose University of Kentucky
- Top 10% of Academic Medical Centers Nationwide: Recognized as a leader in research excellence and innovation.
- Forbes’ Best Large Employers: Ranked among the Top 100 Employers Nationwide in 2024 and named one of Kentucky’s Best Employers on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers list.
- 1 of 34 Universities Nationwide: Holds the prestigious trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging, and translational science.
- Flexible Remote Work Options: Enjoy the convenience of fully remote or hybrid roles while supporting groundbreaking research.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, virtual conferences, and training programs to advance your career.
Want to learn more about the Department?
OSPA is responsible for administering over $480 million in extramural grants and contracts awarded through the University of Kentucky Research Foundation. Services are available to all University faculty and staff and include: advice and assistance with budget preparation and other administrative requirements of proposals; proposal submission; review, negotiation and acceptance of awards; interpretation and information regarding sponsor policies and regulations; preparation of subcontract documents; administration of UK’s Conflict of Interest Policy. More information about the department can be found at: https://research.uky.edu/sponsored-project-services/about/OSPA.
Interested in what UK Benefits have to offer?
The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a benefits package that helps us recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. In addition to your take-home pay, your benefits package is a major component of your total compensation at UK. These benefits include our 200 percent match on eligible retirement contributions; competitive health, dental, and vision coverage; tuition benefits for classes at UK, and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Ready to Make a Difference in Research Administration?
Are you ready to take the next step in advancing research and innovation? Join us in UK’s Office of Sponsored Projects Administration as the next dedicated Research Administrator Associate and play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking projects that shape the future.
The University of Kentucky uses equivalencies in determining if a potential applicant meets the minimum education and experience. Related experience can be substituted for education. Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies.
Driving Research Excellence – Apply Today!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Certified Research Administrator preferred.
Deadline to Apply: 08/13/2026
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.
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 87+ Research Associate Jobs at University of Kentucky
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Associate Jobs at University of Kentucky.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Associate Jobs at University of Kentucky
Tailor your CV to research output
University of Kentucky's hiring committees prioritize publications, grants, and methodological expertise over generalist experience. Format your CV in academic style, listing research outputs, conference presentations, and any funded projects relevant to the department you're targeting.
Identify sponsoring departments before applying
Research Associate roles at UK are often tied to specific grants or principal investigators. Check faculty lab pages and active NIH or NSF awards on the UK research portal to identify which departments have ongoing funding, since those positions are most likely to support visa sponsorship.
Clarify OPT and CPT timelines with the hiring team
If you're on F-1 status, confirm whether the role qualifies for STEM OPT extension early in the process. UK employs many F-1 researchers, but a 24-month STEM OPT extension requires your degree field to match the position's occupational classification.
Understand the H-1B filing window relative to your start date
H-1B cap-subject petitions have an April 1 filing window for October 1 start dates. Research Associates hired outside the cap-exempt pathway at UK need to align offer timelines with USCIS registration in March, so communicate your status clearly during final interview stages.
Use Migrate Mate to filter Research Associate openings at UK
Not every Research Associate posting at University of Kentucky specifies visa sponsorship. Use Migrate Mate to browse and filter verified sponsoring roles at UK, so you spend your time on applications where international candidates are actively welcomed.
Ask HR whether the role is filed under PERM
Some Research Associate positions at UK lead to permanent residency sponsorship through PERM labor certification. If long-term immigration is a priority, confirm during negotiations whether the department has a history of supporting EB-2 or EB-3 filings for researchers in that role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Kentucky sponsor H-1B visas for Research Associates?
Yes, University of Kentucky sponsors H-1B visas for Research Associates, particularly for roles tied to active research grants or faculty-led projects. As a university, UK qualifies as a cap-exempt institution for H-1B purposes, meaning petitions can be filed at any time of year without waiting for the annual lottery. This gives international researchers more scheduling flexibility than candidates applying to private-sector employers.
How do I apply for Research Associate jobs at University of Kentucky?
Applications go through the University of Kentucky's official careers portal. Each Research Associate posting lists required qualifications, the supervising department, and application materials, typically a CV, cover letter, and references. Positions are often tied to specific principal investigators, so tailoring your application to the lab's research focus strengthens your candidacy. Migrate Mate can help you identify which open Research Associate roles at UK are visa-sponsorship eligible before you apply.
Which visa types does University of Kentucky commonly use for Research Associates?
University of Kentucky supports several visa categories for Research Associates, including H-1B, J-1 visa, F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, and TN visa for eligible Canadian and Mexican nationals. J-1 visa exchange visitor visas are common for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars. H-1B is the most typical path for longer-term positions. The appropriate category depends on your nationality, degree status, and the nature of the research appointment.
What qualifications are expected for Research Associate roles at University of Kentucky?
Most Research Associate positions at UK require at minimum a master's degree in a relevant field, with many roles preferring or requiring a PhD, especially in science, engineering, public health, or social science disciplines. Hands-on laboratory or data analysis experience, familiarity with relevant research methodologies, and a publication record all strengthen applications. Roles tied to specific grants may also require experience with the tools or populations central to that funded project.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Research Associate hired at UK?
Timeline depends on the visa category. For H-1B filings, UK can submit petitions year-round as a cap-exempt employer, with standard USCIS processing taking three to six months. Premium processing reduces this to around 15 business days. J-1 appointments are typically faster once the DS-2019 is issued. PERM labor certification for Green Card sponsorship is a separate multi-year process and not guaranteed for every Research Associate role.