Role Snapshot
The Research Scientist Senior leads grant-funded bioprocessing and circular bioeconomy research in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kentucky. The role drives scientific discovery, manages research facilities, and communicates outcomes through publications and grant reporting.
Key Responsibilities: Designs and runs reproducible experiments, oversees three campus research labs (CEBA 169, 170, 172) and their safety and training, analyzes data, coordinates project timelines, prepares quarterly grant reports, and writes proposals and peer-reviewed publications.
Skills & Tools: Requires expertise in biomass handling and valorization, biochemical and thermochemical conversion, statistical and kinetic modeling, and analytical instrument maintenance, plus strong project management, grant reporting, leadership, and scientific communication skills.
Qualifications: A doctoral degree and 2 years of related research experience are required, along with a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
Compensation: $140K–$200K/yr (estimated)
Job Description
Advance bioprocessing and circular bioeconomy research through scientific leadership, rigorous analysis, and effective project coordination.
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
This grant-funded position conducts scientifically rigorous research, coordinates project activities, and oversees on-campus research facilities. The role supports the successful completion of research objectives through data analysis, quality assurance, project reporting, proposal development, scholarly publication, and collaboration among project teams.
What You'll Do
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.
This grant-funded position conducts scientifically rigorous research, coordinates project activities, and oversees on-campus research facilities. The role supports the successful completion of research objectives through data analysis, quality assurance, project reporting, proposal development, scholarly publication, and collaboration among project teams.
What You'll Do
- Formulate research hypotheses and independently design and execute rigorous, reproducible experiments related to bioprocessing and the circular bioeconomy.
- Oversee research facilities in CEBA 169, 170, and 172, ensuring facilities and equipment are maintained, operations are conducted safely, and researchers receive required training and certification.
- Coordinate project resources, activities, decision points, and meetings to support communication and achievement of project deadlines.
- Aggregate research data, perform statistical analyses, and present findings during laboratory and project meetings.
- Maintain experimental protocols, data records, and quality assurance and quality control samples and documentation.
- Prepare quarterly reports for the granting agency and communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
- Develop and edit research proposals related to bioprocessing and the circular bioeconomy.
- Promote professional standards, effective service, continuous learning, and organizational improvement.
What You'll Bring
- Practical knowledge of biomass feedstock handling, analytical instrument maintenance, engineering design, data management, and researcher training.
- Experience with chemical synthesis, biomass characterization and valorization, molecular dynamics simulations, statistical and kinetic modeling, biochemical and thermochemical conversion, and critical metal extraction.
- Extensive knowledge of developing, evaluating, and adapting scientific research methods.
- Strong project management skills, including resource coordination, deadline management, decision tracking, quality assurance, and grant reporting.
- Advanced written and oral communication skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
- Leadership, collaboration, and facility management skills that support safe and effective research operations.
Minimum Requirements
- Doctoral degree
- 2 years of related experience
What's In It for You
- The opportunity to conduct and publish research addressing bioprocessing, biomass valorization, critical metal extraction, and the circular bioeconomy.
- Experience coordinating grant-funded research, collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams, and presenting findings at professional conferences.
- Opportunities to expand professional knowledge through training, classes, seminars, and activities supporting employee well-being and career success.
- UK's Exceptional Benefits
Why Now?
Grant-funded research depends on strong scientific execution, coordinated project management, reliable facilities, and accurate reporting. This position helps keep complex research activities aligned with project milestones while maintaining the records, quality controls, and communication necessary for reproducible results.
Through proposal development, peer-reviewed publication, and research focused on bioprocessing and the circular bioeconomy, the Research Scientist Senior will help expand the department’s capacity to pursue new discoveries and communicate meaningful outcomes to granting agencies and the scientific community.
Internal Employee Being Considered