Scientist I

Job Title
Scientist I

Requisition Number
RE52326

Working Title

Department Name
81110:Horticulture

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
44

Salary Range
$43,805-70,075/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

Lifting objects, bending squatting, standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Shift

40 hours per week, may require working outside of normal working hours (weekends/early mornings/evenings).

Job Summary

Unlock the Secrets of the Gut Microbiome – Join Our Research Team!

The Corbin Lab within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture is actively seeking a passionate individual well-versed in gut microbiome research to join our dynamic team. We’re in search of a dedicated Scientist I to spearhead groundbreaking research initiatives exploring the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiome, particularly focusing on the digestion of compounds within the human digestive tract and their subsequent effects on gut microbial communities.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research Leadership: Lead innovative research projects employing in-vitro models, including the SHIME (Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem), to study the behavior of compounds/food products in the gastrointestinal tract and its impact on the gut microbiome.
• Specialized Expertise: Prior experience in testing the ability of plant-derived compounds, probiotics, synbiotics, or prebiotics to modulate the gut microbiome and/or conducting clinical trials in gut health is highly valued.
• Bioethics and Project Management: Assist in the development of bioethics applications, oversee project management tasks, and contribute to publications and reports.
• Lab Operations: Manage day-to-day laboratory operations including purchasing, reagent preparation, and ensuring adherence to safety standards.
• Experimental Work: Conduct a range of laboratory tasks such as managing in vitro colon model systems, nucleic acid extractions, sequencing library preparation, microorganism isolation, and data analysis.
• Training and Collaboration: Mentor students, staff, and visitors, collaborate with peers, and foster a positive team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Research Experience: Proven track record in investigating the diet-gut health nexus.
• Bioinformatics Proficiency: Familiarity with bioinformatics and -omics data integration is advantageous.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Reliability: Must exhibit reliability, respectfulness, and professionalism in all aspects of work. This research requires someone with a passion for studying gut health!

Equipment Oversight: The Scientist I will oversee the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment including biosafety cabinets, anaerobic chambers, gas monitoring systems, and the SHIME.

If you’re an ambitious researcher eager to delve into the fascinating world of gut microbiome research and contribute to cutting-edge projects, we encourage you to apply. Join us in unraveling the mysteries of the gut microbiome and its profound impact on human health!

This role does not entail supervisory responsibilities, allowing for focused contributions to research endeavors.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
12/08/2025

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.