Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky
Kentucky's research scientist job market centers on pharmaceutical and life sciences employers in Louisville, university research institutions in Lexington, and federal and defense-affiliated labs in the greater Cincinnati border region. Companies like Ashland Global Holdings and major hospital systems actively hire research scientists, and the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville generate consistent demand for sponsored research roles.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Researcher in Diabetes and Obesity at the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center
Requisition Number: FE04726
Department Name: 7H045: Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education: PhD, MD or equivalent
Required Related Experience: Relevant
Required License/Registration/Certification: N/A
Job Summary:
The Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is seeking an Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Research, Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center faculty candidate at the tenure-eligible or tenured ranks. Candidates should have an extramurally funded research program, or for early career candidates, high promise of securing extramural funding. The search is geared towards investigators with basic, translational or clinical research interests broadly related to diabetes and/or obesity. This recruiting initiative aligns with the campus-wide focus of the Office of the Vice President for Research on health disparities and the Healthy Kentucky initiative which is bringing together multidisciplinary groups of experts to solve the most pressing healthcare problems in our region and beyond. Together with our affiliated Departments, Centers, and Cores, we offer state-of-the-art facilities to enable research and training in an environment characterized by strong institutional commitments and a robust support system. Candidates should have a PhD, MD or equivalent degree, a successful postgraduate experience, and for more senior applicants, a history of sustained productivity as evidenced by publications, grant funding, and mentorship. Successful candidates will be offered highly competitive start-up packages. More information on the center can be found at https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/barnstable-brown-diabetes-center/research.
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) CV, 3) brief description of research interests as related to diabetes/obesity, copies of 2-3 major publications (Upload as Specific Request 1), and 4) contact information for three references via our online employment application system at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/. Review of applications will begin in the fall, and continue until positions are filled. If offered employment, the applicant must pass a pre-employment drug screen and undergo a national background check, as required by University of Kentucky Human Resources.
Located in the vibrant city of Lexington, KY, the University of Kentucky campus is home to more than 31,000 students, more than 2,500 faculty members, and nearly 14,000 staff members. The university is one of just eight in the country with a major academic health center and a full spectrum of academic colleges and professional schools on one contiguous campus. As such, the University of Kentucky is an incubator for interdisciplinary research. Employment at UK comes with varied rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Questions about this search may be addressed to Allison Walters (allison.walters@uky.edu), Center Administrator, Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: N/A
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience: PhD, MD or equivalent
Deadline to Apply: Open Until Filled Yes
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: Researcher in Diabetes and Obesity at the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center
Requisition Number: FE04726
Department Name: 7H045: Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Type of Position: Faculty
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track
Required Education: PhD, MD or equivalent
Required Related Experience: Relevant
Required License/Registration/Certification: N/A
Job Summary:
The Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is seeking an Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Research, Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center faculty candidate at the tenure-eligible or tenured ranks. Candidates should have an extramurally funded research program, or for early career candidates, high promise of securing extramural funding. The search is geared towards investigators with basic, translational or clinical research interests broadly related to diabetes and/or obesity. This recruiting initiative aligns with the campus-wide focus of the Office of the Vice President for Research on health disparities and the Healthy Kentucky initiative which is bringing together multidisciplinary groups of experts to solve the most pressing healthcare problems in our region and beyond. Together with our affiliated Departments, Centers, and Cores, we offer state-of-the-art facilities to enable research and training in an environment characterized by strong institutional commitments and a robust support system. Candidates should have a PhD, MD or equivalent degree, a successful postgraduate experience, and for more senior applicants, a history of sustained productivity as evidenced by publications, grant funding, and mentorship. Successful candidates will be offered highly competitive start-up packages. More information on the center can be found at https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/barnstable-brown-diabetes-center/research.
Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) CV, 3) brief description of research interests as related to diabetes/obesity, copies of 2-3 major publications (Upload as Specific Request 1), and 4) contact information for three references via our online employment application system at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/. Review of applications will begin in the fall, and continue until positions are filled. If offered employment, the applicant must pass a pre-employment drug screen and undergo a national background check, as required by University of Kentucky Human Resources.
Located in the vibrant city of Lexington, KY, the University of Kentucky campus is home to more than 31,000 students, more than 2,500 faculty members, and nearly 14,000 staff members. The university is one of just eight in the country with a major academic health center and a full spectrum of academic colleges and professional schools on one contiguous campus. As such, the University of Kentucky is an incubator for interdisciplinary research. Employment at UK comes with varied rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Questions about this search may be addressed to Allison Walters (allison.walters@uky.edu), Center Administrator, Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: N/A
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience: PhD, MD or equivalent
Deadline to Apply: Open Until Filled Yes
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.
Research Scientist Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Research Scientist Jobs in KentuckyResearch Scientist Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research scientists in Kentucky?
Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers are among the most consistent sponsors for research scientist roles in Kentucky. Ashland Global Holdings, Lexmark, and large hospital-affiliated research centers have filed H-1B visa Labor Condition Applications for research positions. The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville are also significant sponsors, particularly for postdoctoral and faculty-track research scientists. Cap-exempt status at universities can make the sponsorship process more straightforward than with private employers.
Which visa types are most common for research scientist roles in Kentucky?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research scientist positions in Kentucky, given that most roles require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific discipline, satisfying the specialty occupation requirement. University-based research scientists may benefit from cap-exempt H-1B filings. The O-1A is an option for scientists with recognized publications, awards, or significant contributions to their field. J-1 visa exchange visitor status is also used for postdoctoral researchers at Kentucky universities.
How to find research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for international job seekers looking for visa sponsorship roles, including research scientist positions in Kentucky. You can filter by state and job category to surface employers that have a documented history of sponsoring work visas. This is more targeted than a general job search because it focuses on sponsorship-willing employers, which is the most time-sensitive factor for researchers on OPT or other expiring status.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most research scientist sponsorship jobs?
Louisville and Lexington account for the majority of research scientist sponsorship activity in Kentucky. Louisville's pharmaceutical, chemical, and healthcare sectors drive private-sector demand, while Lexington benefits from the University of Kentucky's research enterprise and affiliated medical center. Smaller concentrations exist near Fort Knox and defense-adjacent contractors in northern Kentucky, though those positions may have additional security clearance requirements that affect sponsorship eligibility.
Are there state-specific considerations for research scientists pursuing visa sponsorship in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a growing life sciences sector supported by state economic development incentives, which has drawn pharmaceutical and biotech investment to the Louisville corridor. Research scientists should be aware that prevailing wage determinations for Kentucky positions often reflect regional wage levels, which differ from coastal tech hubs. University of Kentucky and University of Louisville positions are cap-exempt institutions, meaning H-1B petitions filed through them are not subject to the annual lottery, which is a meaningful distinction for candidates who did not win the cap-subject selection.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research scientist jobs in Kentucky?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.