Scientist III

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky in Lexington seeks a Scientist III to support the forest management research program. The role coordinates and supervises data collection, ensures data quality, performs analysis and writes technical documents.

This position is 100% funded by external sources and renewable annually based on funding. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Forest Ecology or related field, strong skills in MS Office, R, and geospatial tools such as GPS, ArcGIS, and Avenza.

Qualifications

• PhD required. In Forest Ecology or related field preferred.
• Experience with data collection coordination and quality control.
• Driver's license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise data collection efforts for research.
• Ensure quality control of research data.
• Perform data analysis and write technical and research documents.

Skills

Microsoft Office

R

Education

PhD

Tools

GPS

ArcGIS

Avenza

Job description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details

Job Title: Scientist III

Requisition Number: RE55486

Department Name: 81090:Forestry and Natural Resources

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Grade Level: 48

Salary Range: $64,210-105,914/year

Type of Position: Staff

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education: PhD

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

Required Related Experience: 3 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification: None

Physical Requirements: Sitting for long periods; Some on-site field work such as walking, hiking.

Shift: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Job Summary: The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment at the University of Kentucky seeks a Scientist III to support the forest management research program. The primary duties of this position will be to coordinate and supervise data collection efforts for research, ensure quality control of research data, perform data analysis, and write technical and research documents. This position is 100% supported by external funding and is renewable on an annual basis pending the availability of funding.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: Microsoft Office applications, R, Geospatial hardware and software, including GPS, ArcGIS, and Avenza

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?: Yes

Preferred Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Forest Ecology or related fields. Driver's license preferred.

Deadline to Apply: 09/15/2026

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.