Research Scientist Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Senior to advance bioprocessing and circular bioeconomy research within the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. This grant-funded role emphasizes rigorous analysis, project coordination, and leadership of on-campus facilities to ensure safe, compliant operations.

You will design reproducible experiments, analyze data, prepare quarterly reports, and contribute to publications and proposals while fostering professional

Qualifications

• Formulate research hypotheses and design rigorous, reproducible experiments in bioprocessing.
• Oversee facilities and ensure safety, training, and certification compliance.
• Coordinate project resources, activities, and meetings to meet deadlines.
• Prepare quarterly grant reports and disseminate findings through publications.

Responsibilities

• Formulate research hypotheses and independently design and execute rigorous experiments related to bioprocessing and circular bioeconomy.
• Oversee research facilities CEBA 169, 170, and 172 ensuring facilities and equipment are maintained and safety training is current.
• Coordinate project resources, activities, decision points, and meetings to support communication and deadlines.
• Aggregate data, perform analyses, and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Prepare and maintain protocols, data records, and QA/QC samples and documentation.

Skills

Bioprocessing

Circular bioeconomy

Project coordination

Data analysis

Statistical modeling

Scientific communication

Leadership

Grant reporting

Education

PhD in Biosystems/Ag Eng or related

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs; Sitting and/or standing for long periods of time

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hrs/week)

Job Summary

Advance bioprocessing and circular bioeconomy research through scientific leadership, rigorous analysis, and effective project coordination.
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
This grant-funded position conducts scientifically rigorous research, coordinates project activities, and oversees on-campus research facilities. The role supports the successful completion of research objectives through data analysis, quality assurance, project reporting, proposal development, scholarly publication, and collaboration among project teams.
What You’ll Do

• Formulate research hypotheses and independently design and execute rigorous, reproducible experiments related to bioprocessing and the circular bioeconomy.
• Oversee research facilities in CEBA 169, 170, and 172, ensuring facilities and equipment are maintained, operations are conducted safely, and researchers receive required training and certification.
• Coordinate project resources, activities, decision points, and meetings to support communication and achievement of project deadlines.
• Aggregate research data, perform statistical analyses, and present findings during laboratory and project meetings.
• Maintain experimental protocols, data records, and quality assurance and quality control samples and documentation.
• Prepare quarterly reports for the granting agency and communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Develop and edit research proposals related to bioprocessing and the circular bioeconomy.
• Promote professional standards, effective service, continuous learning, and organizational improvement.

What You’ll Bring

• Practical knowledge of biomass feedstock handling, analytical instrument maintenance, engineering design, data management, and researcher training.
• Experience with chemical synthesis, biomass characterization and valorization, molecular dynamics simulations, statistical and kinetic modeling, biochemical and thermochemical conversion, and critical metal extraction.
• Extensive knowledge of developing, evaluating, and adapting scientific research methods.
• Strong project management skills, including resource coordination, deadline management, decision tracking, quality assurance, and grant reporting.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Leadership, collaboration, and facility management skills that support safe and effective research operations.
• 2 years of related experience

What’s In It for You

• The opportunity to conduct and publish research addressing bioprocessing, biomass valorization, critical metal extraction, and the circular bioeconomy.
• Experience coordinating grant-funded research, collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams, and presenting findings at professional conferences.
• Opportunities to expand professional knowledge through training, classes, seminars, and activities supporting employee well-being and career success.

Why Now?

Grant-funded research depends on strong scientific execution, coordinated project management, reliable facilities, and accurate reporting. This position helps keep complex research activities aligned with project milestones while maintaining the records, quality controls, and communication necessary for reproducible results.
Through proposal development, peer-reviewed publication, and research focused on bioprocessing and the circular bioeconomy, the Research Scientist Senior will help expand the department’s capacity to pursue new discoveries and communicate meaningful outcomes to granting agencies and the scientific community.

Internal Employee Being Considered

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

PhD in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/28/2026

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of paid experience do you have in an engineering research setting?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 2 years
  • More than 2 years, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years
• * Do you have experience preparing grant proposals as principal investigator?
  • Yes
  • No