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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This position will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of scientific research while overseeing daily laboratory operations, managing the lab budget, and contributing to grant development and funding efforts.
About the Role
This position will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of scientific research while overseeing daily laboratory operations, managing the lab budget, and contributing to grant development and funding efforts. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, researchers, and other stakeholders to advance research objectives, support ongoing projects, and promote the continued growth and success of the Aged Horse Research Center.
Why Join Us
At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:
- Exceptional benefits package.
- A formal mentoring program to support your professional development
- Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building
- Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions
- A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky
To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.
Internal Employee Being Considered
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.
This position will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of scientific research while overseeing daily laboratory operations, managing the lab budget, and contributing to grant development and funding efforts.
About the Role
This position will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of scientific research while overseeing daily laboratory operations, managing the lab budget, and contributing to grant development and funding efforts. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, researchers, and other stakeholders to advance research objectives, support ongoing projects, and promote the continued growth and success of the Aged Horse Research Center.
Why Join Us
At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:
- Exceptional benefits package.
- A formal mentoring program to support your professional development
- Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building
- Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions
- A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky
To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.
Internal Employee Being Considered
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 27 Scientist Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist JobsScientist Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Scientist Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
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 University of Kentucky, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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?
Lexington, Louisville, and Highland Heights 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 0% of scientist openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of November 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 27 Scientist Jobs in Kentucky
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