Research Technical Administrator III

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

Job summary

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine seeks a Research Navigation Specialist to guide investigators and research teams through the research lifecycle. You will assess support needs, connect researchers with institutional resources and experts, and develop tools to improve access to research support.

The role collaborates across college and university offices to strengthen research processes. The ideal candidate brings direct clinical research experience, familiarity with regulatory

Qualifications

• Direct clinical research experience is required, with familiarity in clinical research operations and regulatory requirements.
• Experience navigating institutional research processes and infrastructure is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and collaborative skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Act as a central resource for investigators and research teams across the research lifecycle.
• Assess navigation support needs and provide individualized guidance and resources.
• Coordinate follow-up to resolve barriers and move research activities forward.

Skills

Clinical research

Research management

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Working at computer station for extended periods. Repetitive motion. Light lifting up to 25 lbs.

Shift

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; other times may occasionally be required based on research-related meetings or events; eligible for limited hybrid schedule with approval – Learn more about our guidelines and resources at https://hr.uky.edu/work-location

Job Summary

The Research Navigation Specialist serves as a central resource for College of Medicine investigators and research teams navigating the research lifecycle. The Specialist assesses research support needs, provides individualized guidance, connects researchers with appropriate institutional resources and subject matter experts, and coordinates follow-up to help resolve barriers and move research activities forward. The position works collaboratively across College and University research offices and develops tools, resources, and educational materials that improve access to research support. The Specialist also tracks navigation services and identifies recurring needs and opportunities to strengthen research processes and infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will bring direct clinical research experience, including familiarity with clinical research operations, regulatory requirements, and institutional research processes. Strong research management, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to independently navigate complex research processes and build collaborative relationships across diverse teams. Prior clinical research experience is required; experience in an academic medical center is preferred.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine has a strong strategic focus to advance transformative research through collaboration and innovation, leading to scientific impact and improved health for the people of Kentucky and beyond. Come join our team advancing groundbreaking research!

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will exhibit great attention to detail, excellent research management experience, strong organization skills, ability to work well with teams, ability to effectively problem-solve complex situations, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain information and communicate effectively with various internal and external constituencies. Prior research experience is required, and experience working in an academic medical center is preferred.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Experience working in an academic medical center is preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/09/2026

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 (*).

• * Please select the answer that best describes your years of paid, full-time employment experience in biomedical research.
  • None
  • Up to 2 years
  • More than 2 years, up to 5 years
  • More than 5 years, up to 7 years
  • More than 7 years
• * Please describe your previous biomedical research experience in detail. Specify the type of research and your responsibilities related to management, coordinating, problem-solving, etc. (Open Ended Question)
• * Describe a situation in which you received a research-related question that you could not resolve independently. How did you determine the appropriate steps, resources, or people to involve? (Open Ended Question)
• * Describe your experience helping investigators or research teams navigate complex research processes, identify appropriate resources, and resolve barriers. Please provide a specific example. (Open Ended Question)
• * Please describe in detail a new process you created or a significant change you implemented to an existing process to reduce barriers and improve workflow. (Open Ended Question)