Research Scientist Associate​/KTC

Research Scientist Associate/KTC

Requisition Number: RE52689

Working Title: Research Scientist

Department: 8H060:
Kentucky Transportation Center

Location: Lexington, KY

Grade Level: 45

Salary Range: $47,/year

Position Type: Staff

Time Status: Full-Time

Required

Education:

MS

Required Experience: No experience required.

Required License/Registration/Certification: None

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of the position would be some lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs., sitting for long periods of time.

Shift: Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) seeks applicants for a Research Scientist Associate. Prospective applicants should be interested in multidisciplinary transportation research and working on a broad range of topics. The Center performs research to promote transportation solutions for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The research focus for this position will be for the Pavement, Materials, Geotech & Infrastructure Assessment group. The PMG&IA research area encompass a wide array of topics in a rapidly changing technical environment.

Some research areas can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• pavement materials
• pavement materials testing
• pavement construction technologies
• pavement design and preservation strategies
• roadway forensics analysis
• geotechnical investigation
• remote sensing with LiDAR

• developing research methodologies to advance project objectives
• conducting literature reviews and drafting summaries
• leading project data collection efforts
• analyzing project data through various statistical methods
• conducting interviews and surveys
• evaluating existing and emerging technologies for feasibility and adoption
• preparing technical reports and grant proposals
• communicating research findings to clients through meetings or other collaborative efforts
• presenting research results to government agencies, industry partners, and at professional conferences
• otherwise assisting senior research staff in advancing research efforts to develop innovative solutions to the client’s research needs.

Required

Education:

MS

Required Experience: No experience required.

Preferred Education/

Experience:

Preferred experience in literature review, conducting background research for project development, submitting data requests to stakeholders, documenting governmental processes and policies related to project objectives and conducting basic analytical work.

Strong analytical skills, commitment to teamwork, ability to work independently, attention to detail. Working office of Microsoft Office and other programs used for report formatting, strong writing skills, excellent organizational skills, ability to work under time constraints.

• a wide selection of affordable health care plans (HMO, PPO, and Saver), vision insurance options, and dental insurance plans to fit your needs
• generous retirement savings plans managed through Fidelity or TIAA — the University of Kentucky provides a 200% match on monthly employee contributions
• 15 days of vacation per year (initially), 12 days of sick leave, and 14 days of paid holidays
• numerous opportunities for professional development — the Center invests in staff by funding attendance at local, regional, and national conferences, trainings, and other short courses
• the University of Kentucky’s Employee Education Program (EEP), which provides tuition waivers for up to 18 credit hours per academic year.

01/06/2026

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.