Scientist I

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Detloff Lab at the University of Kentucky seeks a Scientist I to support a research program combining rodent and rabbit behavioral testing, molecular biology, and animal care. This role blends hands-on veterinary-adjacent responsibilities with core research tasks and lab administration, including daily health assessments, surgical assistance, and data collection.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in Neuroscience or a related field with 2–3 years of work experience and can contribute

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Neuroscience or related field with 2–3 years of work experience.
• Experience handling rabbits and rodents with neurological injuries; ability to judge animal welfare.
• Proficiency in cell/tissue culture, IHC, and microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Assist behavioral testing with rodents and rabbits.
• Perform basic cellular and molecular benchwork.
• Support daily animal health assessments and care.
• Assist with lab compliance, ordering, and recordkeeping.

Skills

Rodent & rabbit handling

Surgical & behavioral procedures

Clinical decision making

Cell culture & IHC

Microscopy

Education

Master’s degree in Neuroscience or related field

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

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?

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

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of experience do you have in research?
  • 0 years
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1, up through 3 years
  • More than 3, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years