Research Scientist Principal/KTC

Job Title
Research Scientist Principal/KTC

Requisition Number
RE55895

Working Title

Department Name
8H060:Kentucky Transportation Center

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
49

Salary Range
$73,861-121,888/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

Sitting for long periods of time, lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 20 lbs.

Shift

lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.

Job Summary

Lead Transportation Research and Advance Data-Driven Solutions for Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Principal/KTC to join the Kentucky Transportation Center.

This position leads the planning and execution of complex research projects while serving as a primary author of technical reports, grant proposals, and scholarly publications. The role provides leadership to research staff and graduate students, oversees sophisticated data analysis efforts, and collaborates with state agencies and external partners to deliver impactful transportation research outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage research projects, including research design, data analysis, interpretation of findings, and delivery of project outcomes.
• Serve as the primary author for technical reports, grant proposals, research documentation, and publication-related content.
• Supervise and mentor junior research staff and graduate students, including performance management and professional development support.
• Collaborate with state officials, clients, and multidisciplinary research teams to ensure projects remain on schedule and aligned with stakeholder needs.
• Oversee complex quantitative and qualitative data analysis efforts and guide staff in applying appropriate research methodologies.
• Support project budgeting, financial planning, grant administration, and routine research-related documentation.
• Coordinate research activities, represent the Kentucky Transportation Center at professional conferences, and participate in professional organizations and committees.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong leadership, supervision, and team management skills.
• Expertise in research design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex findings.
• Excellent professional, technical, and academic writing abilities.
• Experience developing grant proposals and pursuing externally funded research opportunities.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to mentor researchers and foster professional growth among junior staff.
• Proficiency with at least one advanced research software package, such as ArcGIS, JMP, Stata, or SAS.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage professional and academic audiences.

Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral degree
• 3 years of related experience

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to lead high-impact transportation research projects that inform policy, practice, and decision-making across Kentucky.
• Ability to shape research agendas, secure external funding, and contribute to scholarly publications within a nationally recognized research environment.
• Professional growth through conference participation, leadership opportunities, collaboration with multidisciplinary experts, and engagement with professional organizations.
• Opportunity to mentor emerging researchers and help advance the next generation of transportation research professionals.
• UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?
As transportation systems become increasingly complex and data-driven, strong research leadership is essential to delivering actionable findings that support infrastructure planning, safety, and operational improvements. This position plays a critical role in guiding research initiatives, mentoring staff, and maintaining productive partnerships with state agencies and other stakeholders.

The role also supports the continued growth of the Kentucky Transportation Center’s research portfolio through grant development, publication efforts, and the advancement of innovative methodologies that address emerging transportation challenges.

Internal Employee Being Considered

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
09/28/2026

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.