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Postdoctoral Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky

micro1 AI

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Lexington, KY · On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

micro1 AI

AI Training Specialist - Physics

Louisville, KY · On-site +1

$80 - $150/hr

Experience as a postdoctoral researcher, research fellow, junior/assistant professor, or senior research scientist. * Recent (last ~5 years) representative publications in the relevant subfield, with ...

Stryker Corporation

$90 - $120/hr

... track Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry with specialization in Computational ... D. and postdoctoral research experience, including mentoring of undergraduate students. #J-18808 ...

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Postdoctoral Research Assistant information

See Kentucky salary details

$36.9K

$74.7K

$101.2K

How much do postdoctoral research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral research assistant in Kentucky is $74,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, you need a PhD in a relevant field, strong analytical and experimental skills, and a solid record of academic research. Familiarity with domain-specific laboratory techniques, data analysis software like MATLAB or R, and experience with academic publishing are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively help you stand out. These skills are essential for producing high-quality research, disseminating findings, and contributing effectively to scientific teams.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral research assistants when transitioning to independent research roles?

One common challenge for Postdoctoral Research Assistants is balancing the demands of supporting their supervisor's projects while developing their own independent research ideas. Navigating grant applications, building a publication record, and establishing professional networks can also be daunting. Additionally, adapting to new institutional cultures and expectations, especially when moving between universities or countries, requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Proactively seeking mentorship and collaborating with colleagues can help ease this transition and set the stage for a successful independent research career.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Research Assistant vs Research Fellow?

AspectPostdoctoral Research AssistantResearch Fellow
Required credentialsPhD or equivalentPhD or equivalent, often with additional experience
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, academic settingsResearch projects, academic institutions, sometimes independent
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations, sometimes industry
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesAdvanced research roles, independent research

The main difference between a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and a Research Fellow lies in experience level and independence. Postdoctoral Research Assistants typically work under supervision on specific projects, while Research Fellows often have more independence and may lead their own research. Both roles require a PhD and are common in academic and research settings.

What is a postdoctoral research assistant?

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant is a researcher who has recently completed their doctoral studies (PhD) and is engaged in further academic or scientific research. Their primary role is to conduct independent or collaborative research projects, often under the supervision of senior academics or principal investigators. Postdoctoral Research Assistants contribute to publications, grant writing, and may also mentor graduate or undergraduate students. This position is typically temporary and is designed to provide additional training and experience before transitioning to more permanent academic or research roles.

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings:

Postdoctoral Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Research Assistant job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,658 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM)

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

Full-time

Re-posted 27 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 Postdoctoral Scholar (ISM) Requisition Number DU10317 Department Name 8H600:Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range commensurate with abilities and experience Type of Position Other Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education
PhD in Engineering
Required Related Experience
see Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Required License/Registration/Certification
n/a
Physical Requirements
Some standing or walking. Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods. Repetitive motion. Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.
Shift
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm (40 hours/week)
Job Summary
The postdoctoral researcher will assist the faculty PI and Co-PIs in advancing materials and manufacturing processes in collaboration with research partners at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and industry. The position focuses on additive manufacturing processes, including solid-state and fusion-based methods such as Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD), cold spray, and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), with an emphasis on establishing process-structure-property relationships through integrated experimental and modeling approaches.
The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments, develop and implement analytical and numerical modeling approaches, and perform microstructural characterization to evaluate process-structure relationships in additively manufactured materials. Work will also include analysis of thermal and thermo-mechanical behavior, plastic deformation, and defect formation, as well as evaluation of process outcomes such as residual stress and distortion, particularly in large-format applications.
Additional responsibilities include mentoring graduate students, collaborating with research partners, and disseminating results through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Candidates will also contribute to research proposal development and laboratory research activities.
Funding will be renewed yearly, contingent upon performance and funding availability.
Employment may be subject to U.S. export control regulations.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Strong publication record which reflects some combination of the following:
  • Hands on experience with AM technologies, particularly AFSD, cold spray, and LPBF
  • Strong background in materials science, including characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, FIB, XRD, nano-indentation, etc.
  • Experience with analytical/numerical thermal, thermo-mechanical, plastic deformation, and/or multi-physics modeling of manufacturing processes
  • Experience modeling AM microstructure evolution, phase transformations, or defect generation
  • Experience with multi-scale modeling across spatial and temporal domains, including residual stress and distortion in large-format structures
  • Experience with CAD/CAM, MATLAB, G-Code
  • Knowledge and/or experience with solid-state manufacturing processes, including friction stir processing and welding
  • Knowledge and/or experience with subtractive manufacturing or heat treatment processes
  • Familiarity with physics-informed or data-driven (AI/ML) manufacturing approaches
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026 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.
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.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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