1

Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Research Associate information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

$23

$44

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Kentucky is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.05 and $29.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate research associate?

Graduate Research Associates are graduate students, often pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, who assist faculty members or research teams with academic research projects. Their responsibilities can include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing research reports, and sometimes co-authoring publications. These positions help students gain practical research experience and develop skills relevant to their academic and professional careers.

What are some typical challenges graduate research associates face when balancing research responsibilities with coursework or teaching duties?

Graduate Research Associates often juggle multiple commitments, including research, coursework, and sometimes teaching assistantships. Managing time effectively can be challenging, especially when project deadlines and academic requirements overlap. Many associates develop strong organizational and communication skills to handle shifting priorities, and it's common to coordinate closely with advisors to set realistic goals and expectations. Proactively seeking support from peers and utilizing university resources can also help in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Research Associate, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies, typically supported by enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and possibly lab equipment or coding languages is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and time management are critical soft skills for producing high-quality research and collaborating with faculty and peers. These skills are vital for conducting rigorous research, contributing to academic publications, and advancing both individual and institutional research goals.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Associate vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Research AssociateResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in a graduate program; may have a bachelor's degreeUsually holds a bachelor's degree; some roles require a master's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry R&D departmentsResearch labs, academic settings, or fieldwork environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, and industry R&D teamsUniversities, government agencies, and private companies

The Graduate Research Associate role generally involves advanced research responsibilities within academic or industry settings and often requires enrollment in a graduate program. Research Assistants typically support research projects with less independent responsibility and may have fewer educational prerequisites. Both roles are essential for research projects but differ mainly in educational status and scope of responsibilities.

Do I need a PhD to be a graduate research associate?

A graduate research associate position typically requires at least a master's degree in a relevant field; a PhD is not usually required but may be preferred for advanced research roles. The specific educational requirements depend on the employer and the level of research involved. Skills in research methods, data analysis, and relevant tools are also important for this role.

Is being a graduate research associate worth it?

A graduate research associate role involves conducting research under supervision, often in academic or laboratory settings, and can provide valuable experience for careers in academia, industry, or further study. The position typically offers a stipend or salary, opportunities to develop technical skills, and networking connections, making it a worthwhile step for those pursuing research-oriented careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,295 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Associate or Professor, College of Nursing (open rank)

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Associate or Professor, College of Nursing (open rank) Requisition Number FE04402 Working Title Associate or Professor (open rank) Department Name 7E100:NURSING INSTRUCTION Work Location Lexington, KY Type of Position Faculty Position Time Status Full-Time Tenure Track Status Tenure Track Required Education
The required qualifications are an earned PhD in nursing or in an associated field with a master's
degree in nursing.
Required Related Experience
The required qualifications are an earned PhD in nursing or in an associated field with a master's degree in nursing; active Kentucky Nursing license as a registered nurse, or the ability to obtain an active Kentucky license. Demonstrated a strong record of extramurally funded research in cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment and/or self-management. Ongoing record of scholarly publications, and an active and fundable cardiovascular research agenda and a record of academic teaching and service commensurate with appointment as Associate Professor/Professor with tenure in an area of specialization offered by the College.Demonstration of a record of research excellence (e.g., successful sponsored research proposals and publications in top-ranked and relevant journals).
Required License/Registration/Certification
Active Kentucky Nursing license as a registered nurse, or the ability to obtain
an active Kentucky license
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing invites applications for this full-time, 12- month Regular Title Series, tenure-eligible faculty position with a record of research commensurate with the rank of Associate or Full Professor. This position is based in Lexington, KY, onsite.
The College of Nursing seeks collegial and collaborative faculty with established research in cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment, and/or self-management. This position includes the potential for an endowed professorship.
The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of grantsmanship and productivity in research and scholarship; have an established national or international scientific reputation; and demonstrate a commitment to teaching and service. The successful candidate may teach across the curriculum; will actively participate in service to the university and the profession; and will promote excellence among faculty, staff, trainees, and students. Preferred candidates will be intellectual leaders with high emotional intelligence, ambitious vision, and the energy to inspire other researchers in nursing and other disciplines. The selected faculty will serve as a primary researcher and mentor for early stage and mid-career scientists in the College of Nursing and possible other university colleges and centers.
Position duties and responsibilities include procure external funding from federal, state, and local agencies and foundations. Conduct research and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed journals and other scholarly works. Represent the College in professional associations and university organizations. Participation in departmental and College of Nursing faculty meetings and learning opportunities and provide training and mentorship to students, research assistants and new investigators. Contribute to a supportive and academically rigorous learning environment and design and deliver quality courses that synthesize and communicate knowledge and skills effectively to undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Participate in professional service and research leadership at local, state, regional, national, and/or global levels.
The required qualifications are an earned PhD in nursing or in an associated field with a master's degree in nursing; active Kentucky Nursing license as a registered nurse, or the ability to obtain an active Kentucky license. Demonstrated a strong record of extramurally funded research in cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment and/or self-management. Ongoing record of scholarly publications, and an active and fundable cardiovascular research agenda and a record of academic teaching and service commensurate with appointment as Associate Professor/Professor with tenure in an area of specialization offered by the College. Demonstration of a record of research excellence (e.g., successful sponsored research proposals and publications in top-ranked and relevant journals).
Preferred qualifications include a distinguished record as a scholar in nursing or a closely related field commensurate with the rank of Associate or Full Professor. Ability to represent and advocate for the College of Nursing within the university, and external partners. Record of successful mentorship of early career faculty, especially in supporting career faculty to succeed in promotion and tenure. Experience mentoring students (undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels).
Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with comprehensive rewards, focusing in your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work life integration. The university generously contributes to employees' retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: www.uky.edu/HR/benefits.
This posting will remain open until filled. Applicants should apply via the UK Jobs site and include an up to date curriculum vitae, letter of interest and reference letters (Please include at least 3 to 6 reference letters in one PDF on field Specific Request #1).
The start date for this position is negotiable. 
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes Preferred Education/Experience
 The required qualifications are an earned PhD in nursing or in an associated field with a master's degree in nursing; active Kentucky Nursing license as a registered nurse, or the ability to obtain an active Kentucky license. Demonstrated a strong record of extramurally funded research in cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment and/or self-management. Ongoing record of scholarly publications, and an active and fundable cardiovascular research agenda and a record of academic teaching and service commensurate with appointment as Associate Professor/Professor with tenure in an area of specialization offered by the College. Demonstration of a record of research excellence (e.g., successful sponsored research proposals and publications in top-ranked and relevant journals).
Deadline to Apply Open Until Filled Yes 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 or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
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.

What University Of Kentucky employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Kentucky logo

About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865