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.

Find Scientist Jobs

Overview

Open roles28
Top employerNorton Healthcare
Top cityLouisville, KY
Cities hiring10
Work type50% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 28+ Scientist jobs

CommonSpirit Health
Medical Laboratory Scientist
We won't show you this job again
CommonSpirit Health
Added 1d ago
Medical Laboratory Scientist
CommonSpirit Health
Bardstown, Kentucky
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification

Have you applied for this role?

US Department of Veterans Affairs
Clinical Lab Scientist
We won't show you this job again
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Added 1d ago
Clinical Lab Scientist
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Louisville, Kentucky
Customer Service
$89k - $116k/yr
On-Site
Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Humana
Data Scientist
We won't show you this job again
Humana
Added 2d ago
Data Scientist
Humana
Louisville, Kentucky
Compliance & Risk
Engineering (Non-Software)
Quality Control
$98k - $134k/yr
Hybrid
Master's degree
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Noble
Scientist 1
We won't show you this job again
Noble
Added 2d ago
Scientist 1
Noble
Lexington, Kentucky
Health & Safety
Maintenance & Repair
Skilled Trades
Bachelor's degree in Physics

Have you applied for this role?

Norton Healthcare
Medical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Technician, Laboratory, Nights
We won't show you this job again
Norton Healthcare
Added 2d ago
Medical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Technician, Laboratory, Nights
Norton Healthcare
Louisville, Kentucky
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

See All 28 Scientist Jobs in Kentucky

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

Find Scientist Jobs

Scientist Jobs by City in Kentucky

Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Louisville
9 jobs
Lexington
5 jobs
Hazard
2 jobs
Whitesburg
2 jobs
Headquarters
2 jobs
Highland Heights
2 jobs
Bardstown
1 job
Frankfort
1 job
La Grange
1 job

Scientist Job Market in Kentucky

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

Who's Hiring

Norton Healthcare
Norton Healthcare4 open roles
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Appalachian Regional Healthcare4 open roles
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Commonwealth of Kentucky3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Education
  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
  • Technology & Software

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 Norton Healthcare, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, and Commonwealth of Kentucky, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Kentucky 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 50% of scientist openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 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 28 Scientist Jobs in Kentucky

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

Find Scientist Jobs