Research Specialist Jobs in Kentucky
Research Specialist jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in Lexington, Louisville, and the Frankfort-Bowling Green corridor, where universities, healthcare systems, and state agencies drive steady demand for specialists in clinical research, policy analysis, and social science. Major employers with a lasting footprint include the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Humana, all of which maintain active research divisions that hire at levels from entry coordinator to senior investigator. Demand is strongest in biomedical and health services research, reflecting Kentucky's large academic medical center presence. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The successful candidate(s) will join (and may subsequently lead) a small team 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 characterizations of materials
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
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.
The successful candidate(s) will join (and may subsequently lead) a small team 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 characterizations of materials
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
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 26 Research Specialist Jobs in Kentucky
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Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Kentucky10
- University of Louisville4
- Baptist Health System KY & IN3
- Sazerac2
- ORA1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education13
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
- Technology & Software1
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, public health, or life sciences
- Experience designing and executing research studies or data collection protocols
- Proficiency with statistical or data analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or R
- Strong written communication skills for preparing research reports and grant materials
- Ability to coordinate with IRB processes and maintain compliance with research ethics standards
- Familiarity with literature review methods and academic database navigation
Research Specialist Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Kentucky?
Most research specialist roles in Kentucky require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field related to the position, such as public health, biology, psychology, or a social science. No state-issued license is required for the broad research specialist title, but positions in human subjects research require completion of CITI Program training and adherence to IRB protocols as mandated by Kentucky's academic medical centers and state-funded research institutions. Graduate degrees strengthen candidacy at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, which are the state's largest research employers.
Which companies hire research specialists in Kentucky?
Employers hiring research specialists in Kentucky right now include University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Baptist Health System KY & IN, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's academic medical centers, state health agencies, and insurance and managed care organizations headquartered in Louisville tend to be the most consistent sources of ongoing research specialist openings across the state.
Which Kentucky cities have the most research specialist jobs?
The cities with the most research specialist openings in Kentucky are Lexington, Louisville, and Walton. Lexington leads due to the University of Kentucky's extensive research enterprise and its affiliated medical center, while Louisville draws openings from health systems like Norton Healthcare and UofL Health as well as corporate research functions at companies like Humana, and smaller hubs reflect state government and regional university activity.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, and they are more common than in many fields, since a significant portion of research specialist work involves data analysis, literature review, writing, and coordination that can be done off-site. About 8% of research specialist openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting broader trends in academic and policy research. Roles focused on survey design, qualitative coding, and systematic reviews tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions requiring lab access or in-person participant interaction remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistant or coordinator role at one of Kentucky's large research universities, particularly the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville, both of which regularly post entry-level positions that do not require prior professional research experience. Completing a senior thesis, independent study, or graduate practicum in a relevant field substitutes for formal experience in many applications. Adjacent roles such as program coordinator, data entry analyst, or clinical trial assistant at a Kentucky health system can also provide the credentials that move a candidate into a research specialist title within one to two years.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to research specialist 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 and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location preferences.
See All 26 Research Specialist Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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