Research Associate Jobs in Kentucky

Research associate jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in pharmaceutical sciences, agricultural research, materials science, and public health, with demand at every level from entry-level technician to senior investigator. The most active hiring markets are Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green, where institutions and companies such as the University of Kentucky, Lexmark International, and Ashland Inc. maintain substantial research operations. The most in-demand specialties include clinical laboratory research, crop and soil sciences tied to Kentucky's agricultural economy, and analytical chemistry. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles5
Top employerUniversity of Kentucky
Top cityLexington, KY
Cities hiring2
Work type100% Remote
Top credentialBachelor's degree

Showing 5 of 5+ Research Associate jobs

IQVIA
Client Relationship Associate Director, Connected Devices PM (Clinical Research)
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IQVIA
Added 2w ago
Client Relationship Associate Director, Connected Devices PM (Clinical Research)
IQVIA
Lexington, Kentucky
Business Operations
Healthcare Administration
Project Management
$90k - $251k/yr
Remote (US)
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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University of Kentucky
Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Center for Oral Health Research and Division of Public Health
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University of Kentucky
Added 1mo ago
Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Center for Oral Health Research and Division of Public Health
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials
Research & Academia
Master's degree
10,000+

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University of Kentucky
Assistant, Associate or Professor in Gastrointestinal Cancer Research
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University of Kentucky
Added 1mo ago
Assistant, Associate or Professor in Gastrointestinal Cancer Research
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
10,000+

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Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Research Associate I
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Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Added 3mo ago
Research Associate I
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Kentucky
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Analytics
Data Science
Data Science & Analytics
$21.5 - $26.45/hr
Bachelor's degree
201-500

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Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Investigator - Associate Research Scientist (Full Time and Part Time)
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Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Added 4mo ago
Investigator - Associate Research Scientist (Full Time and Part Time)
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Louisville, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Doctoral degree
201-500

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Research Associate Jobs by City in Kentucky

Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Lexington
3 jobs
Louisville
1 job

Research Associate Job Market in Kentucky

A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky2 open roles
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation2 open roles
IQVIA
IQVIA1 open role

What Kentucky Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across Kentucky.

  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with standard research techniques and instrumentation
  • Familiarity with data collection, analysis, and scientific documentation practices
  • Ability to follow Good Laboratory Practice protocols and maintain accurate records
  • Experience with statistical software or data platforms relevant to the research discipline
  • Strong written communication skills for preparing research reports and presentations

Research Associate Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a research associate in Kentucky?

Most research associate positions in Kentucky require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant science discipline such as biology, chemistry, agricultural science, or public health. No single statewide license governs the role broadly, but positions in clinical or medical research may require adherence to standards overseen by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure for any clinical components. Employers at university research centers and pharmaceutical firms typically expect laboratory coursework and hands-on research project experience before hiring.

Which companies hire research associates in Kentucky?

Employers hiring research associates in Kentucky right now include University of Kentucky, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, and IQVIA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Kentucky's mix of major research universities, agricultural science firms, and chemical manufacturers creates consistent demand for research associates in both academic and industry settings throughout the state.

Which Kentucky cities have the most research associate jobs?

Lexington, Kentucky, and Louisville have the most research associate openings in Kentucky. Lexington leads because of the University of Kentucky's extensive research enterprise and the surrounding cluster of pharmaceutical and agricultural science employers, while Louisville's large health system and manufacturing base sustains steady demand, and Bowling Green draws openings from regional manufacturing and materials research operations.

Are there remote research associate jobs in Kentucky?

Yes, but they're rare. Research associate work is largely hands-on and laboratory-based, so most positions require on-site presence. About 100% of research associate openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which reflects the nature of the role. The portions most likely to be conducted remotely are data analysis, literature review, and report writing within otherwise on-site positions.

How can I get hired as a research associate in Kentucky with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is pursuing an undergraduate research assistantship at the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, or Western Kentucky University, where faculty-led labs regularly bring in students with no professional experience. Many candidates also move laterally from roles such as laboratory technician or research coordinator. Completing a relevant internship through Kentucky's agricultural extension programs or pharmaceutical firms in Lexington strengthens any application, and earning a certification in laboratory safety or a technique-specific credential gives candidates a measurable edge when competing for first positions.

Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in Kentucky?

You can find and apply to research associate jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, discipline, and preferred location, then apply directly to the positions that fit.

See All 5 Research Associate Jobs in Kentucky

Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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