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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Lexington, United States of America | Full time | Home-based | R1558503
Summary:
Connected Devices is one of the most dynamic and interesting areas within the Clinical Research industry. The identification, strategy and management of various devices and their data ingestion modalities in order to meet the endpoint goals of our customers is ever challenging and exciting. This highly visible business unit is closely connected to other trial delivery teams within IQVIA. We work closely with technology partners and our sponsor partners to help speed therapies to market in a global network. We seek highly motivated and accountable people looking for opportunities to impact the business and be part of the solution. At IQVIA, we look at individuals with a focus on continuous learning and career development.
Purpose:
To assist the department Director in developing department strategy and team building; to ensure a high standard of service to clients and develop strategies in alignment with departmental objectives; to manage key client relationships; to manage; to serve as an expert in aligning, managing and enhancing client relationship(s) while maintaining an overview of client portfolio from an operational and financial perspective. To communicate with project teams and Business Development to ensure excellent delivery to clients and consistency across studies, including alliance and portfolio management, implementation of best practices, harmonization, and development of client-specific performance improvement projects, and to facilitate escalation management.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure consistent and outstanding quality against department deliverables.
- Manage customer relationships and lead the teams towards successfully achieving customer deliverables.
- Manage the standard operating procedures of the department and ensure compliance with ICH GCP guidelines.
- Oversee the maintenance, review and implementation of Quality Control procedures.
- Lead departmental and company Projects and Initiatives.
- Conduct capacity planning.
- Assist the Business Development team with RFP (request for proposal)/RFI (request for information) review for assigned accounts, working closely with the internal teams and the client.
- Oversee forecast, backlog and projections for existing account; complete forecasting for existing accounts.
- As an experienced leader, tasks might include new hire mentorship as well as departmental and/or organizational process improvement initiatives. This is an individual contributor role.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines and their impact on the operations
- Good team leadership skills
- Good ability to prioritize, schedule and organize
- Good problem-solving skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Basic knowledge of computers; preferably Microsoft Office Excel and Microsoft Office Word
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers and clients
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences or related discipline
- 7-10 years of relevant experience, including experience establishing and managing a high-quality department/core team required OR
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com
IQVIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law. https://jobs.iqvia.com/eoe
IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.
The potential base pay range for this role, when annualized, is $90,200.00 - $251,200.00. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and/or schedule (full or part-time). Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.Where you'll work
Home-based
You’ll work remotely, with the flexibility to do your best work from home. Supported by collaborative tools and a global team, you’ll stay connected while enjoying the autonomy and balance that comes with a fully remote role.
Culture
Culture at IQVIA is built on a shared belief: that when people are empowered with better data, smarter technology and deeper expertise, they can change what’s possible for patients. Across every team and every corner of the globe, you’ll find colleagues who genuinely care — about the mission and about each other. That’s what makes this a place where people tend to stay, grow and do the best work of their careers.
See All 5 Research Associate Jobs in Kentucky
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Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



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.
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