Role Snapshot
Lead complex transportation research projects at the Kentucky Transportation Center while directing research staff and graduate students. Drive data-driven solutions that inform policy and infrastructure planning across Kentucky.
Key Responsibilities: Plan and execute research projects from design through delivery, serve as primary author of technical reports and grant proposals, and supervise junior research staff and graduate students. Oversee quantitative and qualitative data analysis, manage project budgets, and represent the center at professional conferences.
Skills & Tools: Strong leadership and team management capabilities with expertise in research design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex findings. Proficiency with advanced research software (ArcGIS, JMP, Stata, or SAS), excellent technical and academic writing, and strong verbal communication and presentation abilities.
Qualifications: Doctoral degree required with a minimum of 3 years of related research experience. Demonstrated experience developing grant proposals and pursuing externally funded research opportunities.
Compensation: $180K–$280K/yr (estimated)
Job Description
Lead Transportation Research and Advance Data-Driven Solutions for Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Principal/KTC to join the Kentucky Transportation Center.
This position leads the planning and execution of complex research projects while serving as a primary author of technical reports, grant proposals, and scholarly publications. The role provides leadership to research staff and graduate students, oversees sophisticated data analysis efforts, and collaborates with state agencies and external partners to deliver impactful transportation research outcomes.
What You'll Do
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Scientist Principal/KTC to join the Kentucky Transportation Center.
This position leads the planning and execution of complex research projects while serving as a primary author of technical reports, grant proposals, and scholarly publications. The role provides leadership to research staff and graduate students, oversees sophisticated data analysis efforts, and collaborates with state agencies and external partners to deliver impactful transportation research outcomes.
What You'll Do
- Lead and manage research projects, including research design, data analysis, interpretation of findings, and delivery of project outcomes.
- Serve as the primary author for technical reports, grant proposals, research documentation, and publication-related content.
- Supervise and mentor junior research staff and graduate students, including performance management and professional development support.
- Collaborate with state officials, clients, and multidisciplinary research teams to ensure projects remain on schedule and aligned with stakeholder needs.
- Oversee complex quantitative and qualitative data analysis efforts and guide staff in applying appropriate research methodologies.
- Support project budgeting, financial planning, grant administration, and routine research-related documentation.
- Coordinate research activities, represent the Kentucky Transportation Center at professional conferences, and participate in professional organizations and committees.
What You'll Bring
- Strong leadership, supervision, and team management skills.
- Expertise in research design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex findings.
- Excellent professional, technical, and academic writing abilities.
- Experience developing grant proposals and pursuing externally funded research opportunities.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and client relationship management skills.
- Ability to mentor researchers and foster professional growth among junior staff.
- Proficiency with at least one advanced research software package, such as ArcGIS, JMP, Stata, or SAS.
- Strong verbal communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage professional and academic audiences.
Minimum Requirements
- Doctoral degree
- 3 years of related experience
What's In It for You
- Opportunity to lead high-impact transportation research projects that inform policy, practice, and decision-making across Kentucky.
- Ability to shape research agendas, secure external funding, and contribute to scholarly publications within a nationally recognized research environment.
- Professional growth through conference participation, leadership opportunities, collaboration with multidisciplinary experts, and engagement with professional organizations.
- Opportunity to mentor emerging researchers and help advance the next generation of transportation research professionals.
- UK's Exceptional Benefits
Why Now?
As transportation systems become increasingly complex and data-driven, strong research leadership is essential to delivering actionable findings that support infrastructure planning, safety, and operational improvements. This position plays a critical role in guiding research initiatives, mentoring staff, and maintaining productive partnerships with state agencies and other stakeholders.
The role also supports the continued growth of the Kentucky Transportation Center's research portfolio through grant development, publication efforts, and the advancement of innovative methodologies that address emerging transportation challenges.
Internal Employee Being Considered