Research Scientist Associate/KTC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky's Kentucky Transportation Center seeks a Research Scientist Associate to advance transportation research through data-driven analysis and innovation.

You will conduct research, analyze data, prepare technical reports and proposals, and collaborate with senior staff to develop solutions that improve transportation systems, infrastructure, safety, and policy initiatives across local, state, and federal levels.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead literature reviews and synthesize methodological research.
• Lead data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis using GIScience and statistics.
• Support senior staff in developing transportation solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, executive summaries, and grant proposals.
• Assist with development of academic publications and deliverables.
• Present findings to government agencies, industry partners, and professionals.
• Collaborate on project budgeting and administrative activities.
• Maintain project datasets and support long-term research initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between research and administrative staff.
• Participate in conferences, webinars, and professional development.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Verbal communication

Independent work

Tools

ArcGIS

JMP

Stata

SAS

Job description

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.

Job Summary

Advance Transportation Research Through Data-Driven Analysis and Innovation

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Associate to join the Kentucky Transportation Center ( KTC ).

This position supports multidisciplinary transportation research that addresses critical challenges facing local, state, and federal transportation agencies. The Research Scientist Associate will conduct research, analyze data, prepare technical reports and proposals, and collaborate with senior staff to develop innovative solutions that advance transportation systems, infrastructure, safety, and policy initiatives.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize background and methodological research
• Lead data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis using advanced analytical methods, including GIScience and statistical techniques
• Support senior research staff in developing innovative transportation solutions and technologies
• Prepare technical reports, executive summaries, quarterly progress reports, and grant proposals
• Assist with the development of academic publications and research deliverables
• Present research findings to government agencies, industry partners, and professional audiences
• Collaborate with senior staff on project budgeting, financial management, and administrative activities
• Maintain project-related datasets and support long-term research initiatives
• Serve as a liaison between research personnel and administrative staff
• Participate in conferences, webinars, forums, and other professional development opportunities

What You’ll Bring

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience or knowledge of research software packages such as ArcGIS, JMP , Stata, or SAS
• Excellent professional, technical, and organizational writing skills
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to organized, high-quality work
• Willingness to follow established procedures and continuously expand technical knowledge
• Ability to collaborate with researchers and stakeholders from a variety of professional backgrounds
• No experience required

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful transportation research serving local, state, and federal agencies
• Hybrid work eligibility with approval
• Professional development support through conferences, training programs, webinars, and industry events
• Collaborative and collegial research environment with opportunities to work across a broad range of transportation disciplines

Why Now?

The Kentucky Transportation Center continues to support a growing portfolio of transportation research initiatives that help agencies improve infrastructure performance, safety, operations, and long-term planning. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that influence transportation policy and practice across Kentucky and beyond.

As transportation systems evolve and data-driven decision-making becomes increasingly important, KTC seeks talented researchers who can help advance innovative solutions, maintain strong client partnerships, and contribute to the development of future transportation technologies and strategies.

Internal Employee Being Considered

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Proficient with Microsoft Office products. Good written and verbal communication skills. Works well in a team setting, but also thrives working independently. Pays close attention to detail. Employs strong analytical and organization skills. Excels even when working under time constraints. Robust interpersonal skills and customer service oriented. Is an innovative thinker and problem solver. Effectively provides guidance and direction to other team members. Driver’s License.

Deadline to Apply

10/02/2026

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.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No