Geologist III

Job Title
Geologist III

Requisition Number
RE52440

Working Title
Geologist Aqueous Geochemist

Department Name
40520:KY Geological Survey

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
46

Salary Range
$52,021-85,800/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

Independently traverse rough terrain for field work. Periodic lifting of 50lbs or less. Sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Shift

Monday – Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Job Summary

The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) seeks an applied aqueous geochemist to join our team (Geologist III). This position will lead the development of a new KGS research program focused on the chemistry of deep basin brines, produced waters, formation fluids, and shallow groundwater systems across the Commonwealth. A core responsibility of this position will be to establish Kentucky’s first comprehensive statewide groundwater and brine geochemistry program. This includes designing sampling strategies, implementing analytical workflows, establishing QA/QC protocols, and building a long-term database for subsurface fluid chemistry that will serve researchers, state agencies, industry partners, and the public.

The successful candidate will lead independent and collaborative research in topics such as:

• Geochemical characterization of basin brines and produced waters
• Critical minerals in brines and opportunities for fluid-derived mineral resources
• Water–rock interactions and reservoir fluid evolution
• Groundwater contamination, solute transport, and baseline water chemistry
• Applied environmental geochemistry of legacy oil and gas fields, and other energy infrastructure
• Integration of fluid chemistry with stratigraphy, structure, petroleum systems, and basin evolution

KGS maintains statewide geologic and subsurface datasets—such as drill cores, well logs, seismic reflection data, and mapping products—that support interpretations of fluid origins and movement. Laboratory capabilities (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRD, SEM, pXRF, etc.) and field equipment are available to support aqueous geochemistry research. The new hire will be responsible for expanding these capabilities through new datasets, new methods, and new collaborations.

This is a full-time, externally funded term position, with the potential for continuation contingent on performance and the availability of funding.

Given the societal importance of water quality and subsurface fluid management in Kentucky, effective communication and stakeholder engagement are essential. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with state agencies, federal partners, industry, and academic researchers. Opportunities for adjunct appointments at the University of Kentucky are also possible, and we welcome candidates interested in mentoring students and contributing to graduate education.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in geoscience, geochemistry, hydrogeology, or a related field from an accredited university plus 3 years of related experience.

For more information, please contact Dr. Michael McGlue (michael.mcglue@uky.edu). The first review of application materials (CV, cover letter, and research statement) will begin on January 5th. The Required Documents for this position include Specific Request 1. Please submit a research statement for Specific Request 1. Letters of reference will be requested following the first review.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Demonstrated expertise in aqueous geochemistry, groundwater/brine sampling, and geochemical data interpretation. Experience with geochemical modeling tools (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench) is highly desirable. 5+ years of Driver’s license.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
01/05/2026

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