Job Title
UK Innovate Fellow
Requisition Number
DU14346
Department Name
40420:Office of Technology Commercialization
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$15.00/hour
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
Enrollment at the University of Kentucky as an Undergraduate, Graduate, or Postgraduate Student
Required Related Experience
Essential Qualifications:
· Enrolled in a related Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or Post-Doctorate degree program at UK
· Hands‑on experience applying AI tools to accelerate research and enhance problem solving.
· Proven ability to rapidly prototype digital or technical solutions.
· Strong desire to learn with professional drive in support of UK Innovate’s mission statement
· Basic understanding of product development life cycle (Assess, Discover, Design, Prototype, Pilot, Scale)
· Must demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
· Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Repetitive motion related to computer use.
Shift
10 hours a week. The specific work schedule will be determined in collaboration between the student employee and supervisor.
Job Summary
Essential Functions:
The UK Innovate Fellow will report to the Technology Development Program Director, UK HealthCare Innovation as a dedicated resource supporting Opportunity and Start Up pipelines.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· 50% Technology Development: Drive the prototyping and early‑stage development of new technologies and concepts aligned with UK Health Care Innovation opportunities. Translate delegated problem statements into rapid prototypes, technology evaluations, and feasibility assessments. Conduct targeted technology landscape reviews and data gathering. Deliver early recommendations that inform go/no‑go decisions.
· 30% Exploration & Prototyping (“Tinkering”): Independently investigate emerging technologies, clinical workflows, or industry trends to identify potential value for UK HealthCare Innovation. Develop proof‑of‑concept solutions, rapid prototypes, and training demonstrations that expand team capabilities and inform future project opportunities.
· 10%Administrative: Meet weekly with Manager, the Technology Development Program Director for UK HealthCare Innovation, to discuss priorities and progress; work with Manager on project progress.
· 10%Other Duties: Other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to customer service, events, and general office assignments
Essential Qualifications:
· Enrolled in a related Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or Post-Doctorate degree program at UK
· Hands‑on experience applying AI tools to accelerate research and enhance problem solving.
· Proven ability to rapidly prototype digital or technical solutions.
· Strong desire to learn with professional drive in support of UK Innovate’s mission statement
· Basic understanding of product development life cycle (Assess, Discover, Design, Prototype, Pilot, Scale)
· Must demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
· Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience working in or with technology development (internship, co-op, class projects, etc.)
- Experience with end user interactions.
Opportunities for Skill Development on the Job:
This position will provide opportunities to develop skills and gain relevant work experience, including the following areas:
Responsibility/Accountability
· Takes ownership of work duties and responsibilities, and ensures they are completed accurately and on time
· Presents himself/herself in a friendly and professional manner
· Performs assigned duties and responsibilities consistently and correctly
Independence/Interdependence
· Seeks instruction from supervisor and asks when unclear of tasks, procedures or how to correct errors
· Demonstrates clear and effective communication with supervisor and team members
· Works independently when needed; seeks assistance to find unknown information
Goal Orientation
· Manages time to complete all required and/or assigned duties and tasks
· Seeks guidance from supervisor to make improvements in job knowledge and performance
· Seeks to improve oneself at work as well as the working environment
Self-Awareness
· Displays friendly and helpful attitude with customers and peers
· Can separate the demands of the job and customers from personal concerns and ego
· Acknowledges own strengths and weaknesses
Resilience
· Able to work through difficulties when they arise
· Recovers from and continues to work successfully following disappointments
· Accepts direction and constructive criticism from supervisor
Appreciation of Differences
· Respects the values and beliefs of others
· Appreciates the uniqueness in each client, coworker, supervisor
· Treats all clients, peers and supervisor respectfully
Tolerance of Ambiguity
· Demonstrates a willingness to attempt new tasks
· Employs basic problem-solving skills and looks to supervisor for guidance as needed
· Maintains composure and professionalism when faced with difficult or new situations
Length: 12 months
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
03/07/2026
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.