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: Associate Research Scientist/CAER
Requisition Number: RE55667
Department Name: 40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 46
Salary Range: $53,061-87,526/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MS
Required Related Experience: No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.
Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. occasional nights and weekends.
Job Summary
The Carbon Materials Group is looking to hire one or more Associate Research Scientist to conduct high-quality research with emphasis on a range of fiber materials and on high value graphitic products. The successful candidate(s) will be a key team member 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 and complete characterization of materials
- Utilization and processing of coal by liquefaction and heat treatment methods for high value graphitic materials including synthetic graphite
- Isotropic and mesophase pitch processing and characterization
- Advancement of new graphitic materials in energy storage with familiarity in battery cell fabrication and cycling.
In addition to materials processing, the successful candidate(s) will work closely within the respective team, and with the research group and collaborators, conducting a variety of materials characterization techniques including polarized optical microscopy, SEM, x-ray scattering, gas pycnometry, TGA/MS, DSC, DMA, Mettler DP, LFA thermal diffusivity, single filament tensile testing, dilatometry for CTE, battery cell fabrication & cycling analyses, XPS, and several additional chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical property analyses of experimental materials.
Applicants for the position will preferably have advanced education (PhD preferred) and experience in materials or chemical engineering (or related), and high priority for safety. Additionally, preferred applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER’s laboratories. A reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required. Drafting of research reports and manuscripts for publication will be part of the job.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
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
IEBC (Internal Employee Being Considered).
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Deadline to Apply: 09/30/2026
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: Associate Research Scientist/CAER
Requisition Number: RE55667
Department Name: 40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 46
Salary Range: $53,061-87,526/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MS
Required Related Experience: No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.
Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. occasional nights and weekends.
Job Summary
The Carbon Materials Group is looking to hire one or more Associate Research Scientist to conduct high-quality research with emphasis on a range of fiber materials and on high value graphitic products. The successful candidate(s) will be a key team member 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 and complete characterization of materials
- Utilization and processing of coal by liquefaction and heat treatment methods for high value graphitic materials including synthetic graphite
- Isotropic and mesophase pitch processing and characterization
- Advancement of new graphitic materials in energy storage with familiarity in battery cell fabrication and cycling.
In addition to materials processing, the successful candidate(s) will work closely within the respective team, and with the research group and collaborators, conducting a variety of materials characterization techniques including polarized optical microscopy, SEM, x-ray scattering, gas pycnometry, TGA/MS, DSC, DMA, Mettler DP, LFA thermal diffusivity, single filament tensile testing, dilatometry for CTE, battery cell fabrication & cycling analyses, XPS, and several additional chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical property analyses of experimental materials.
Applicants for the position will preferably have advanced education (PhD preferred) and experience in materials or chemical engineering (or related), and high priority for safety. Additionally, preferred applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER’s laboratories. A reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required. Drafting of research reports and manuscripts for publication will be part of the job.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
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
IEBC (Internal Employee Being Considered).
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Deadline to Apply: 09/30/2026
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.