Scientist I

Job Title
Scientist I

Requisition Number
RE54672

Working Title

Department Name
81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES

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 50 lbs, sitting for long periods of time, ability to type at a computer

Shift

Primarily days: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. May require work outside regular schedule for research.

Job Summary

The soil and water quality laboratory at the University of Kentucky is seeking a self-motivated individual to become a valued member of a small team focused on soil and water quality monitoring on western Kentucky agricultural production farms.

About the Role

The preferred candidate will have professional experience with soil and water laboratory analytical methods, including CN analyzers, Lachat flow injection analyzers, and ICP-OES instrumentation. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in data analysis using common statistical and scientific software packages, supported by a strong academic background in statistics. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a collaborative work ethic, and the ability to effectively supervise employees are essential. The successful candidate will also contribute to outreach and extension programming initiatives.

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.

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.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Statistics, laboratory method development, soil and water analyses

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

MS Degree in Statistics, or in the process of earning MS Degree in Statistics
Soil & water laboratory experience

Deadline to Apply
07/02/2026

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.