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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... to the Associate Dean for Research. The successful candidate will provide strategic vision ... Recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty, staff, and graduate students for CESR * Actively ...

New

$115 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... secondary research, data collection and synthesis, researching company and industry trends ... Graduate degree is not required, but considered a plus if in a relevant field * Strong ability to ...

New

$140 - $190/hr

... for graduate outcomes. In this role you will serve as a visible campus leader--building ... The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognizedasa leader in public opinion research,and ...

New

Showing results 41-60

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.

Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Division of Orthodontics

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 Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Division of Orthodontics Requisition Number FE04915 Working Title Department Name 7A870: Division of Orthodontics Work Location Lexington, KY Type of Position Faculty Position Time Status Full-Time Tenure Track Status Non-Tenure Track Required Education
D.M.D. or D.D.S. degree from a CODA accredited institution or proof of graduation from a non-CODA accredited dental school and evidence that the degree makes the candidate eligible to practice dentistry in the jurisdiction from which the applicant graduated.
Required Related Experience
Demonstrate ability in clinical and didactic teaching.
Required License/Registration/Certification
  1. Completion of a CODA accredited Orthodontic program.
  2. Board eligible or board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
  3. Maintenance of a dental license within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  4. Maintenance of Basic Life Support (BLS).
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky, College of Dentistry is seeking applications for a full-time,12-month, non-tenure track Assistant, Associate or Professor position in the Division of Orthodontics, Department of Oral Health Science. Exceptional benefits are provided for this position which can be reviewed at the following link: Insurance and retirement benefits | UK Human Resources (uky.edu). This position will remain open until filled and the anticipated start date for this assignment is August 1, 2026.
Position Description:
Responsibilities include supervising dental students and orthodontic graduate students in their clinical care of patients, providing direct clinical care for patients which may include, directing and teaching predoctoral courses for Orthodontics, conducting seminars and lectures for Resident and dental students. The position will support clinical mission of the UK College of Dentistry and division of Orthodontics and requires a working relationship with clinical faculty of other divisions in the college of Dentistry and various departments in the medical center.
Primary Funding Source: College of Dentistry (combination of state line support and clinical income)
Suggested Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  1. Providing direct patient care as a participant in UK-Healthcare.
  2. Supervising orthodontic graduate students and dental students in the clinical care of patients.
  3. Serving as a member of college committees.
  4. Conducting seminars and lectures for the orthodontic graduate students and dental students.
Specific Requirements:
1. The faculty member will function as a full-time member of the Division of Orthodontics, Department of Oral Health Science.
Distribution of Effort:
Instruction/Teaching 55-60%
Scholarly Activity 2-3%
Service (direct patient care) * 35-40%
Each 10% effort = 45 sessions per academic year. One session is defined as a half day (8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 1:00-5:00 p.m.).
Service (other) 2-3%
Personal/Professional Development 2-3%
Total 100%
Appointment/Promotion Criteria:
Clinical Title Series - Non-Tenure Track

Clinical Faculty (Clinical Title Series), from UKDC Promotion and Tenure guidelines

Assistant Professor
  • DMD/DDS or other professional clinical degree, with important commitment to clinical service and academic community.
  • Evidence of or potential for a high level of clinical competence in a clinical area and use of innovative approaches, technologies, instrumentation, or systems of patient care in a clinical discipline.
  • Evidence of or potential for recognition by peers and patients as an excellent clinician.
  • Evidence of or potential for developing a leadership role in a clinical division or discipline and active participation in local, regional, or national professional clinical organizations.
  • Evidence of or potential for recognition by dental students, residents, fellows, continuing dental education attendees, affiliated health professionals, and peers for excellence in clinical teaching.
Associate Professor
  • Evidence of or potential for recognition by dental students, residents, fellows, continuing dental education attendees, affiliated health professionals, and peers for excellence in clinical teaching.
  • Provides service to the college, university academic community, and/or profession on committees, boards, programs, or centers.
  • Development of greater than local reputation in clinical practice and emerging reputation as an authority in a clinical field.
  • Continuing evidence of peer recognition as an excellent clinical teacher at regional level.
  • Demonstrated creative contributions to the instructional and clinical service programs of the University, and/or has scholarly activities of important or original clinical investigations appropriate for the research allocation described on the individual's DOE.
Professor
  • Outstanding service as associate professor at UKCD (or its equivalent elsewhere) with important accomplishments as clinician and teacher, as well as service to academic community supported through contracts, grants or clinical income.
  • Evidence of advancement of skills/knowledge in the field as recognized by peers, programs, certification or advanced degree(s). *
  • Significant leadership role in provision of dental health care.
  • Development of national reputation for excellence in clinical practice, and as an authority in a clinical field.
  • Established recognition as an outstanding clinical teacher beyond regional level.
  • Scholarly activities of important and original clinical investigations appropriate for the research allocation described on the individual's DOE.
In a discipline that aligns with the needs of the Department or College.

These guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the definitions and examples of scholarship and excellence, and the Statements of Evidence provided in the College of Dentistry Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure procedures.

The University of Kentucky's Statement on Benefits: Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on 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: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience 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.

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About University of Kentucky

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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