Research Scientist Associate/KTC

Job Title
Research Scientist Associate/KTC

Requisition Number
RE52501

Working Title

Department Name
8H060:Kentucky Transportation Center

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
45

Salary Range
$47,278-78,000/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

No experience required.

Required License/Registration/Certification

None.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of the position would be some lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs., and sitting for long periods of time.

Shift

Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Job Summary

The Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) seeks applicants for a Research Scientist Associate. Prospective applicants should be interested in multidisciplinary transportation research and working on a broad range of topics. The Center performs research to promote transportation solutions for local governments, state agencies, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. The research focus for this position will be on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). ITS research areas encompass a wide array of topics in a rapidly changing technology environment. Some research areas can include, but are not limited to, the following: traffic management and optimization, safety and security technologies, sensor-based platforms, IT network architecture, digital infrastructure, machine learning, data analytics, and vehicle and roadside communication devices.

The Research Scientist Associate is tasked with (1) developing research methodologies to advance project objectives; (2) conducting literature reviews and drafting summaries; (3) leading project data collection efforts; (4) analyzing project data through various statistical methods; (5) conducting interviews and surveys; (6) evaluating existing and emerging technologies for feasibility and adoption; (7) preparing technical reports and grant proposals; (8) communicating research findings to clients through meetings or other collaborative efforts; (9) presenting research results to government agencies, industry partners, and at professional conferences; and (10) and otherwise assisting senior research staff in advancing research efforts to develop innovative solutions to the client’s research needs. The Research Scientist Associate is expected to operate both independently and within a team to help build lasting partnerships with our clients, transportation organizations, and agencies.

KTC is a growth-driven, dynamic, and collegial environment where salary and benefits packages are competitive with the private sector. Our key benefits include (1) a wide selection of affordable health care plans (HMO, PPO, and Saver), vision insurance options, and dental insurance plans to fit your needs; (2) generous retirement savings plans managed through Fidelity or TIAA — the University of Kentucky provides a 200% match on monthly employee contributions; (3) 15 days of vacation per year (initially), 12 days of sick leave, and 14 days of paid holidays; (4) numerous opportunities for professional development — the Center invests in staff by funding attendance at local, regional, and national conferences, trainings, and other short courses; and (5) the University of Kentucky’s Employee Education Program (EEP), which provides tuition waivers for up to 18 credit hours per academic year.

At KTC, our organization promotes positive and impactful outcomes through interesting, exciting, and challenging work. We remain committed to building a respectful workplace that recognizes employees perform their best when they maintain a healthy work-life balance. Come join us in building the transportation systems of the future!

Required is a Writing Sample which can be accessed in the Applicant Documents Section of the application under Writing Sample.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Strong analytical skills, Commitment to teamwork, Ability to work independently,

Attention to detail. Working office of Microsoft office and other programs used for report formatting, Strong writing skills, Excellent organizational skills, Ability to work under time constraints.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Preferred experience in literature review, conducting background research for project development, submitting data requests to stakeholders, documenting governmental processes and policies related to project objectives and conducting basic analytical work.

Deadline to Apply
12/21/2025

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.