Scientist Jobs in Kentucky

Scientist jobs in Kentucky concentrate in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, environmental science, agricultural sciences, and energy, with openings at every level from entry-level research associate to senior principal scientist. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green are the strongest hiring metros, anchored by employers such as Humana, Ashland Inc., and the University of Kentucky. The most consistent demand is for analytical chemists, environmental scientists, and life science researchers supporting the state's growing biotech and agribusiness sectors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles56
Top employerBaptist Health System KY & IN
Top cityLouisville, KY
Cities hiring14
Work type95% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 56+ Scientist jobs

Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Medical Lab Scientist
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare
New 1m ago
Medical Lab Scientist
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Hazard, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Bachelor's degree
5,001-10,000

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Kunsh Technologies
Associate Scientist – Analytical Chemistry
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Kunsh Technologies
New 1m ago
Associate Scientist – Analytical Chemistry
Kunsh Technologies
Winchester, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Bachelor of Science
11-50

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Commonwealth of Kentucky
Environmental Scientist III (FFTL)
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Commonwealth of Kentucky
New 1m ago
Environmental Scientist III (FFTL)
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Frankfort, Kentucky
Compliance & Risk
Project Management
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in biological science
1,001-5,000

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Norton Healthcare
Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Laboratory Technician, Blood Bank, Part Time, 6a-2:30p
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Norton Healthcare
New 1m ago
Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Laboratory Technician, Blood Bank, Part Time, 6a-2:30p
Norton Healthcare
Louisville, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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Norton Healthcare
Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Laboratory Technician, Blood Bank, 6a-2:30p
We won't show you this job again
Norton Healthcare
New 1m ago
Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Laboratory Technician, Blood Bank, 6a-2:30p
Norton Healthcare
Louisville, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

See All 56 Scientist Jobs in Kentucky

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Scientist Jobs by City in Kentucky

Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Louisville
20 jobs
Lexington
15 jobs
Frankfort
3 jobs
Hyden
2 jobs
Hazard
2 jobs
Hebron
2 jobs
Erlanger
2 jobs
Winchester
2 jobs
Barbourville
2 jobs

Scientist Job Market in Kentucky

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

Who's Hiring

  • Baptist Health System KY & IN
    Baptist Health System KY & IN9
  • Appalachian Regional Healthcare
    Appalachian Regional Healthcare8
  • Norton Healthcare
    Norton Healthcare7
  • University of Kentucky
    University of Kentucky5
  • Commonwealth of Kentucky
    Commonwealth of Kentucky3

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services22
  • Education5
  • Manufacturing2
  • Technology & Software2
  • Medical Devices1

What Kentucky Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across Kentucky.

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field
  • Experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis, or field sampling relevant to the specialty
  • Familiarity with EPA, FDA, or USDA regulatory standards commonly applied in Kentucky industries
  • Proficiency with scientific software such as JMP, SAS, LabVIEW, or GIS platforms
  • Strong written communication skills for preparing technical reports and regulatory submissions
  • Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams across research and operations departments

Scientist Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a scientist in Kentucky?

Most scientist roles in Kentucky require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, biology, or environmental science, with many research and senior positions requiring a master's or doctorate. Environmental scientists working on certain state-regulated projects may interact with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet for compliance purposes. Practical laboratory or field experience gained through university programs, internships, or cooperative education at Kentucky research institutions strengthens most applications considerably.

Which companies hire scientists in Kentucky?

Employers hiring scientists in Kentucky right now include Baptist Health System KY & IN, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, and Norton Healthcare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's pharmaceutical manufacturing base, agricultural research sector, and public university research programs generate consistent scientist openings throughout the year.

Which Kentucky cities have the most scientist jobs?

Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort account for the greatest concentration of scientist openings in Kentucky. Louisville's pharmaceutical and healthcare industries and Lexington's university research ecosystem drive the bulk of postings, while Bowling Green benefits from its manufacturing and environmental compliance activity tied to regional industrial growth.

Are there remote scientist jobs in Kentucky?

Yes, but they're rare. About 5% of scientist openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on laboratory and field nature of most positions. Data analysis, regulatory affairs, and scientific writing roles are the segments most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements within the broader scientist category.

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

The most realistic entry path is a research associate or laboratory technician role, which major Kentucky employers and state universities hire into without requiring prior professional experience. The University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University all post undergraduate research positions and new-graduate associate roles regularly. Candidates with a completed degree, documented coursework in analytical methods, and any internship or capstone project experience are competitive for these openings.

Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Kentucky?

You can find and apply to scientist jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.

See All 56 Scientist Jobs in Kentucky

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

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