Role Snapshot
The Research Scientist Principal at the Kentucky Transportation Center leads complex research projects, data analysis efforts, and serves as primary author for reports, grant proposals, and technical documentation. This role involves supervising junior staff, managing content, and collaborating with state officials on transportation research initiatives.
Key Responsibilities: Plan and oversee research projects, conduct complex data analyses, author reports and grant proposals, supervise junior research staff, manage content, assist with academic publications, liaise with state officials on project timelines, and contribute to financial planning and budgetary decisions.
Skills & Tools: Advanced expertise in research design and data analysis, strong technical writing and communication abilities, leadership and staff supervision capabilities, knowledge of transportation research methodologies, project management skills, and active engagement with professional organizations.
Qualifications: PhD required with 3 years of related research experience in transportation or related field. Equivalencies may be considered per University of Kentucky guidelines.
Compensation: $74K–$122K/yr
Job Description
Research Scientist Principal/KTC
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Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Research Scientist Principal/KTC
Requisition Number
RE55962
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
The Research Scientist Principal/KTC assumes responsibility for planning research projects, leading complex data analyses efforts, and interpreting results. They serve as a primary author on all of the reports, grant proposals, and technical documentation issued by their section, and assist research staff in their efforts to produce academic publications. They take on a lead role in content management and supervise the work of junior staff. On state-sponsored projects, they will work directly with state officials to keep projects moving forward and on time. They assist with their section’s financial planning and budgetary allocations. In addition to improving their knowledge and methodological skill sets, they take an active role on the committees of relevant professional organizations.
Internal Employee Being Considered
Internal Employee Being Considered
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Deadline to Apply
10/02/2026
Our University Community
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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.
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.