Research Analyst Principal

Job Title
Research Analyst Principal

Requisition Number
RE56116

Working Title

Department Name
81070:ANIMAL AND FOOD SCIENCES

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
44

Salary Range
$21.48-34.36/hour

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

Stand/sit for long periods

Shift

Monday – Friday (Typically 8:00am-5:00pm – 40 hours/week)

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment seeks a Research Analyst Principal.

The analyst will work in the high-paced Nutrition Laboratory in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences and will assist with nutritional physiology and molecular biology research. Beginning in early 2027, the department will be moving to the new Agricultural Research Building, equipped with new cutting-edge laboratory space. Excellent communication and organizational skills are required to be successful in this position.

About the Role

In this dynamic, hands-on role, duties include, but are not limited to:

• Molecular and biochemical analyses of biological samples
• assay development and validation
• data calculation, organization, and analysis for meaningful interpretation of results
• lab inventory and maintenance and minor equipment repair
• order supplies and reagents
• supervision of lab personnel and training of undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory procedures
• manage chemical and hazardous waste and safety documentation

Preferred experience with molecular biology, physiology, or metabolism laboratory

techniques. This includes techniques such as tissue dissection, nucleic acid and protein isolation, quantification, and purification, qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, ELISA, gas and liquid chromatography, and/or respirometry.

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:

• Exceptional benefits package.
• 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

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

For additional information about AFS, Click Here. To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.

Specific Request 1 Instructions
In the Documents section of the application, for Specific Request 1, please upload evidence of your experience with qPCR and Western blotting techniques (peer-reviewed publications, image files, graphs).

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Laboratory techniques, organization, management and training, interpersonal skills

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Significant experience (> 2 years) with molecular biology research techniques including Western blotting.

Deadline to Apply
10/29/2026

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.