Scientist I

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff development fund

Staff recognition programs

Kentucky community focus

Job summary

The University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Plant Pathology department, seeks a Scientist I to conduct experimental research on Tomato bushy stunt virus and related plant viruses. You will work with biochemical, microscopic, and molecular techniques, develop protocols for targeted goals, and manage multiple projects while contributing to manuscript preparation.

The role requires a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field is required.
• Experience with state-of-the-art biochemical, microscopic and molecular techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research on Tomato bushy stunt virus and related plant viruses.
• Develop and adapt protocols for specific scientific goals.
• Manage and lead multiple scientific projects simultaneously.
• Generate data and material for manuscript preparation and assist PI with experimental design.

Skills

Leadership

Experimental design

Molecular techniques

Biochemical techniques

Microscopy

Education

Ph.D.

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Requires some handling of light weight objects up to 25 pounds and sitting, standing and/or walking for long periods of time. Repetitive motion tasks.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, department of Plant Pathology seeks a Scientist I. The Scientist I will be expected to conduct experimental research on Tomato bushy stunt virus and related plant viruses using yeast and model plants. The functional and molecular studies with these viruses require extensive experience working with state-of-the-art biochemical, microscopic and molecular techniques, development and adaptation of protocols for specific scientific goals, and the ability to manage and lead multiple scientific projects simultaneously. support timely development of novel antiviral strategies and crop protection strategies relevant to USA and KY growers. The position will also generate data and material for manuscript preparation, and assist the PI by proposing experimental design or alternative approaches.

Why Join Us

At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:

• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building
• Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions
• A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky

Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning—where innovation meets impact.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

Ph.D and three years experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/09/2026

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 option that best represents your number of full years paid, full-time, employment experience in quality assurance, quality control, proficiency testing and/or plant based research.* If you have part-time work experience that you want to include, please refer to the following to determine your credit of full years of related employment experience:35+ hours worked per week = full credit for time worked28-34 hours worked per week = 75% credit for time worked18-27 hours worked per week = 50% credit for time worked9-17 hours worked per week = 25% credit for time worked< 9 hours worked per week = no credit given for time worked
  • None
  • Some, but less than one full year of employment listed above.
  • At least 1 full year but less than 2 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 2 full years but less than 3 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 3 full years but less than 4 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 4 full years but less than 5 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 5 full years but less than 6 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 6 full years but less than 7 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 7 full years but less than 8 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 8 full years but less than 9 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 9 full years but less than 10 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 10 full years but less than 11 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 11 full years but less than 12 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 12 full years but less than 13 years of employment listed above.
  • At least 13 full years or more of employment listed above.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Curriculum Vita
• Cover Letter
• Academic Transcript