Agriculture Research Specialist

Job Title
Agriculture Research Specialist

Requisition Number
RE53317

Working Title

Department Name
81070:ANIMAL AND FOOD SCIENCES

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
44

Salary Range
$43,805-70,075/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

2 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None.

Physical Requirements

Sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time. Move objects up to and over 50 lbs. Work with large animals.

Shift

Primarily days; Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm; and requires evening; weekend; holiday; on-call as needed for animal care and research.

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Food and Environment, department of Animal and Food Sciences seeks a Equine Research Specialist. Are you passionate about equine care? Join us where you will play a key role in achieving our research, teaching, and extension goals while you work with the unit manager and other staff to maintain and implement animal care practices for all categories of horses at the unit. Duties includes daily feeding, barn management, grooming, young horse handling, sales preparation and health care practices. Additional duties include entering and tracking all records associated with health care, breeding management, growth, etc. The position also performs routine and prescribed health care procedures including bandaging, administration of medications, monitoring of vital signs, fecal egg counts, blood collection, etc. Observes animal enclosures, other facilities and equipment daily, for proper operation and necessary repairs. All while also assisting instructors in undergraduate teaching activities and assisting faculty and graduate students with research projects. The position requires managing purchases and following university business procedures and includes the expectation of animal care responsibilities during some evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

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:


· A formal mentoring program to support your professional development


· 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


To find out more about M-G CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky please Click Here.

IEBC (Internal Employee Being Considered).

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Ability to read and understand research and teaching protocols. Familiarity with herd health practices.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

MS plus 3 years experience in Animal Science, Equine Science or Veterinary Technology.

Deadline to Apply
02/25/2026

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.