Research Jobs in Kentucky
Research jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green, where universities, healthcare systems, and manufacturing firms drive steady demand for research professionals at every level from entry-level research assistant to senior investigator. The University of Kentucky, Norton Healthcare, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky are among the most established employers with active and recurring research hiring. The most in-demand specialties in the state are clinical research, agricultural and life sciences research, and applied engineering research. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Research JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 52+ Research jobs
Job Title: Research Associate Senior
Requisition Number: RE55051
Working Title: Research Associate Senior
Department Name: 7H400:Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Gen
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
PhD
Required Related Experience
3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs. Sitting/standing for extended periods of time as well as extended periods of repetitive motion and general laboratory duties required as part of this position.
Shift
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday, some weekends
Job Summary
The Messaoudi Laboratory is recruiting for a Research Associate Senior position.
We are seeking individuals who are interested in contributing to projects investigating the impact of nutrition, infection and age on the immune system. The successful candidate will have experience in flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, and Luminex, to measure various aspects of immune responses under homeostasis and disease conditions.
Candidate will have strong organizational and management capabilities and be willing to work with human and non-human primate species.
Internal employee being considered.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
N/A
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
NA
Deadline to Apply
07/16/2026
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 Associate Senior
Requisition Number: RE55051
Working Title: Research Associate Senior
Department Name: 7H400:Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Gen
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
PhD
Required Related Experience
3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs. Sitting/standing for extended periods of time as well as extended periods of repetitive motion and general laboratory duties required as part of this position.
Shift
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday, some weekends
Job Summary
The Messaoudi Laboratory is recruiting for a Research Associate Senior position.
We are seeking individuals who are interested in contributing to projects investigating the impact of nutrition, infection and age on the immune system. The successful candidate will have experience in flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, and Luminex, to measure various aspects of immune responses under homeostasis and disease conditions.
Candidate will have strong organizational and management capabilities and be willing to work with human and non-human primate species.
Internal employee being considered.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
N/A
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
NA
Deadline to Apply
07/16/2026
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 52 Research Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research JobsResearch Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Kentucky17
- University of Louisville11
- Commonwealth of Kentucky3
- Kentucky State University3
- Sazerac2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education15
- Healthcare & Medical Services2
- Technology & Software1
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or technical field
- Experience with research design, data collection, and statistical analysis methods
- Proficiency in data analysis software such as SAS, SPSS, R, or Python
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and ethical standards for human subjects research
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, grants, and publications
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative setting
Research Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research in Kentucky?
Most research positions in Kentucky require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, psychology, public health, or engineering, with graduate degrees preferred for independent or principal investigator roles. Clinical research coordinators working with human subjects must comply with federal IRB requirements and often hold certifications such as the CCRP or CCRC. Kentucky does not issue a general state research license, but positions at regulated institutions like hospitals or pharmaceutical firms may require additional credentialing specific to that setting.
Which companies hire researchs in Kentucky?
Kentucky research roles are posted by University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Commonwealth of Kentucky and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's mix of flagship universities, regional hospital networks, and advanced manufacturing employers means research openings appear across academic, healthcare, and industrial settings throughout the state.
Which Kentucky cities have the most research jobs?
Lexington, Louisville, and Frankfort have the most research openings in Kentucky right now. Lexington leads because of the University of Kentucky's extensive research programs and UK HealthCare, while Louisville's large hospital networks and life sciences sector generate consistent clinical and applied research demand, and Bowling Green benefits from manufacturing and applied engineering research tied to employers like Toyota.
Are there remote research jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the type of research. About 25% of research openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting that lab-based, clinical, and field research roles are almost always on-site. The positions most likely to allow remote or hybrid arrangements are those focused on data analysis, literature review, survey research, or grant writing rather than hands-on specimen or participant work.
How can I get hired as a research in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a paid research assistant or lab technician role, which large Kentucky employers like the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville actively post for candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree and no prior professional experience. Volunteering or interning through a university department, applying to clinical research coordinator trainee programs at hospital networks like Norton Healthcare or Baptist Health, and earning an entry-level certification such as the CCRP all meaningfully improve your chances of landing a first role in the state.
Where can I find and apply to research jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to research jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit your qualifications and location preferences.
See All 52 Research Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Jobs