Scientist I

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Scientist I in Lexington, KY to support a research program combining rodent and rabbit behavioral testing, molecular biology, and animal care/clinical tasks. The role blends hands-on veterinary-adjacent responsibilities with core research execution and lab administration.

The ideal candidate has an MS in Neuroscience or related field and 2–3 years of work experience, with emphasis on cellular/molecular techniques and behavioral assays.

Qualifications

• Experience with handling rabbits/rodents with neurological injury.
• Comfort in making clinical decisions re: animal care.
• Cell/tissue culture, IHC, microscopy knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support behavioral testing and molecular biology work.
• Aid in animal care, health assessments and surgical assistance.
• Lab administration, compliance, ordering and accounting duties.

Skills

Animal handling

Surgical procedures

Behavioral testing

Clinical decision making

Cell culture

IHC

Microscopy

Education

Master's degree in Neuroscience

Job description

Working Title

Posting Details

Job Title Scientist I

Requisition Number RE56204

Department Name 7H016:SPINAL CORD & BRAIN INJURY RES

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 44

Salary Range $44,678-71,469/year

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education MS

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience No experience required.

Required License/Registration/Certification None

Physical Requirements The position will require sitting for long periods of time at a microscope and computer.

Shift Monday through Friday, working everyday with flexible daily start and stop times, with the expectation of working 40 hrs/wk.

Job Summary

The Detloff Lab is seeking a Scientist I to support a research program combining rodent and rabbit behavioral testing, molecular biology, and animal care/clinical technical work. This role blends hands‑on veterinary‑adjacent responsibilities (daily health assessments, surgical assistance, treatment) with core research execution (behavioral testing, cellular and molecular benchwork) and lab administration (lab compliance, lab accounting & ordering). The ideal candidate is comfortable making basic clinical judgment calls about animal welfare while also contributing directly to experimental data collection and lab administration.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

experienced in: handling, surgical & behavioral procedures of rabbits and rodents w/neurological injury; comfortable making clinical decisions re: animal care; cell/tissue culture, IHC , microscopy

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Master’s degree in Neuroscience or related biomedical field with 2-3 years of work experience

Deadline to Apply 10/29/2026

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.