Geologist IV

Job Title
Geologist IV

Requisition Number
RE53330

Working Title

Department Name
40520:KY Geological Survey

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
48

Salary Range
$62,941-103,834/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

5 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None.

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time.

Shift

Monday-Friday; 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

Job Summary

The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) is hiring a researcher in the field of energy geoscience to join our energy and subsurface geology team in our Lexington, Kentucky office. This position will start by working on current projects pertaining to abandoned oil and gas wells. This position could potentially contribute to other emerging energy resource projects. The successful candidate will have knowledge, skills, and experience in energy geology, petrophysics, aqueous (brine) geochemistry, and formation evaluation. KGS maintains an extensive library of drill cores and well logs, regional seismic reflection lines, and potential fields data; it is expected that the new hire will be able to develop new research using these data and other datasets to be collected in the future. This position is grant sponsor funded to start, with the potential for continuation based on research performance and funding availability.

Kentucky is a state with a strong history of oil/gas and keen interests in emerging energy resources, and thus the KGS seeks a new colleague that is deeply committed to both energy research and engagement with stakeholders on issues that touch subsurface resources in the state and region. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are therefore expected for KGS research geologists. Opportunities for adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Kentucky are also possible, and we value candidates with interests in mentoring and education.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in geology or related field from an accredited university + 5 years of related experience is required for the position.

For more information, please contact Dr. Michael McGlue (michael.mcglue@uky.edu).

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Geological software, GIS software, and MS Office,

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
03/01/2026

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.