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.
Find Research Associate Jobs at University of KentuckyOverview
Showing 5 of 80+ Research Associate Jobs at University of Kentucky
See all 80+ 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 JobsJob Title: Associate Research Scientist/CAER
Requisition Number: RE55667
Department Name: 40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 46
Salary Range: $53,061-87,526/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MS
Required Related Experience: No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.
Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. occasional nights and weekends.
Job Summary
The Carbon Materials Group is looking to hire one or more Associate Research Scientist to conduct high-quality research with emphasis on a range of fiber materials and on high value graphitic products. The successful candidate(s) will be a key team member with primary responsibilities focused on one or more of the following:
- Fiber spinning process trials (solution and melt spinning) to produce high-quality fiber & Thermal conversion of fibers (i.e. to carbon fibers)
- Systematic and complete characterization of materials
- Utilization and processing of coal by liquefaction and heat treatment methods for high value graphitic materials including synthetic graphite
- Isotropic and mesophase pitch processing and characterization
- Advancement of new graphitic materials in energy storage with familiarity in battery cell fabrication and cycling.
In addition to materials processing, the successful candidate(s) will work closely within the respective team, and with the research group and collaborators, conducting a variety of materials characterization techniques including polarized optical microscopy, SEM, x-ray scattering, gas pycnometry, TGA/MS, DSC, DMA, Mettler DP, LFA thermal diffusivity, single filament tensile testing, dilatometry for CTE, battery cell fabrication & cycling analyses, XPS, and several additional chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical property analyses of experimental materials.
Applicants for the position will preferably have advanced education (PhD preferred) and experience in materials or chemical engineering (or related), and high priority for safety. Additionally, preferred applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER’s laboratories. A reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required. Drafting of research reports and manuscripts for publication will be part of the job.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
Independent, disciplined researchers with a strong publication and presentation track record are preferred. Experience in independently conducting publication-quality research expediently is a critical component. Specific skills that are desired include:
- Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials and composites processing
- Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials characterization
- The ability to record and keep accurate records and data
- Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation – including reporting to federal sponsors and drafting research manuscripts for publication
IEBC (Internal Employee Being Considered).
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Deadline to Apply: 09/30/2026
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: Associate Research Scientist/CAER
Requisition Number: RE55667
Department Name: 40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 46
Salary Range: $53,061-87,526/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MS
Required Related Experience: No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.
Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. occasional nights and weekends.
Job Summary
The Carbon Materials Group is looking to hire one or more Associate Research Scientist to conduct high-quality research with emphasis on a range of fiber materials and on high value graphitic products. The successful candidate(s) will be a key team member with primary responsibilities focused on one or more of the following:
- Fiber spinning process trials (solution and melt spinning) to produce high-quality fiber & Thermal conversion of fibers (i.e. to carbon fibers)
- Systematic and complete characterization of materials
- Utilization and processing of coal by liquefaction and heat treatment methods for high value graphitic materials including synthetic graphite
- Isotropic and mesophase pitch processing and characterization
- Advancement of new graphitic materials in energy storage with familiarity in battery cell fabrication and cycling.
In addition to materials processing, the successful candidate(s) will work closely within the respective team, and with the research group and collaborators, conducting a variety of materials characterization techniques including polarized optical microscopy, SEM, x-ray scattering, gas pycnometry, TGA/MS, DSC, DMA, Mettler DP, LFA thermal diffusivity, single filament tensile testing, dilatometry for CTE, battery cell fabrication & cycling analyses, XPS, and several additional chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical property analyses of experimental materials.
Applicants for the position will preferably have advanced education (PhD preferred) and experience in materials or chemical engineering (or related), and high priority for safety. Additionally, preferred applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER’s laboratories. A reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required. Drafting of research reports and manuscripts for publication will be part of the job.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
Independent, disciplined researchers with a strong publication and presentation track record are preferred. Experience in independently conducting publication-quality research expediently is a critical component. Specific skills that are desired include:
- Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials and composites processing
- Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials characterization
- The ability to record and keep accurate records and data
- Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation – including reporting to federal sponsors and drafting research manuscripts for publication
IEBC (Internal Employee Being Considered).
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Deadline to Apply: 09/30/2026
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 80+ 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.