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Social Behavioral Science Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Case Manager

Columbia, KY · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

An Associate's degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, plus two years of human services experience. * Three years of human services-related experience. Relevant ...

Case Manager

Murray, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

An Associate's degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, plus two years of human services experience. * Three years of human services-related experience. Relevant ...

Case Manager

Paducah, KY · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

Associate's degree in behavioral science, social science, or a closely related field, plus 2 years of Human Services-related experience. * 3 years of demonstrated Human Services-related experience ...

Case Manager

Columbia, KY · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

An Associate's degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, plus two years of human services experience. * Three years of human services-related experience. Relevant ...

Implementation Scientist

Lexington, KY · On-site

$58K - $59K/yr

D. or equivalent in Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences, Communication, Health Services Research, Bioinformatics, Health Sciences, or other related fields Required Related Experience ...

Case Manager

Paducah, KY · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

An Associate's degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field, plus two years of human services experience. * Three years of human services-related experience.

$90 - $120/hr

Open Rank Faculty, Behavioral and Social Sciences Please see Special Instructions for more details. As part of your application, please submit a brief statement of values (less than 250 words ...

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Social Behavioral Science information

See Kentucky salary details

$27.4K

$44K

$59.1K

How much do social behavioral science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for social behavioral science in Kentucky is $43,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,400.00 and $46,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social behavioral scientist?

Social behavioral scientists study how people think, feel, and act within societies and groups. They use research and data analysis to understand human behavior, social trends, and the influence of societal structures on individual actions. Their work is used to inform policies, improve organizational practices, and address social issues such as health, education, and inequality. Social behavioral scientists may work in academic, government, nonprofit, or private sector settings.

What jobs are available in social and behavioral science?

Jobs in social and behavioral science include researchers, social workers, public health specialists, mental health consultants, psychologists, and therapists. Your responsibilities and duties differ depending on the type of work you do. For example, if you are a social worker, your tasks include managing a client caseload, assisting your clients to access mental health or behavioral health services, and helping them to fill out applications. A school psychologist, on the other hand, provides psychology services to a public or private school and assists with student assessment and improving access to mental health education. Researchers work at universities, where they conduct studies and help develop new models of behavior and mental health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social behavioral scientist?

To thrive as a Social Behavioral Scientist, you need a solid background in psychology, sociology, or related fields, usually supported by an advanced degree and strong research skills. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), survey platforms, and data visualization tools is essential for effective research and reporting. Strong communication, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity are important soft skills for interpreting complex behaviors and collaborating with diverse populations. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing impactful studies, accurately analyzing social trends, and informing policy or organizational decision-making.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in social behavioral science roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Social Behavioral Science often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse populations, navigating ethical considerations, and balancing qualitative and quantitative research methods. These roles require strong communication skills to build trust with participants and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Staying up to date with evolving research methodologies and ethical guidelines is essential, as is being adaptable to shifting project goals or funding sources. Proactively seeking mentorship, ongoing training, and participating in professional networks can help address these challenges and support career growth.

What is the difference between Social Behavioral Science vs Social Work?

AspectSocial Behavioral ScienceSocial Work
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Behavioral Science, Psychology, SociologyBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW, MSW), Licensure often required
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, academia, policy analysisCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, social service organizations
Industry UsageResearch, policy development, behavioral analysisClient support, case management, advocacy
Common Search IntentUnderstanding behavioral patterns, research rolesHelping individuals and communities, social services

Social Behavioral Science focuses on research, analysis, and understanding human behavior through scientific methods, often in academic or policy settings. Social Work emphasizes direct client interaction, advocacy, and community support, often requiring licensure. While both fields aim to improve societal well-being, their work environments and primary functions differ significantly.

What can I do with a career in social behavioral science?

A career in social behavioral science involves studying human behavior and social systems to inform policy, improve organizational practices, or develop interventions. Professionals in this field often work in research, consulting, public health, or education, utilizing skills in data analysis, research methods, and psychology. Job roles may include behavioral analyst, research scientist, policy advisor, or program evaluator.

What can I do with a social behavioral science degree?

A social behavioral science degree prepares individuals for careers in research, policy analysis, community development, and consulting. Graduates can work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare, marketing, or human resources, often utilizing skills in data analysis, research methods, and understanding human behavior. Advanced roles may require additional certifications or experience in data collection and analysis tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Behavioral Science jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Social Behavioral Science jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Social Behavioral Science jobs in Kentucky?

For Social Behavioral Science jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Social Behavioral Science jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Social Behavioral Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Behavioral Science job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,955 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 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 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science
Requisition Number
FE04973
Working Title
Department Name
7H150:BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Type of Position
Faculty
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Tenure Track Status
Tenure Track
Required Education
Ph.D. or equivalent
Required Related Experience
N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Job Summary
We are seeking applicants for a tenure track, Regular Title Series, full time (12 month) Assistant Professor position in the Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky. We seek individuals with a dynamic, productive research agenda that focuses on behavioral health, including but not limited to mental health and substance use disorder, using rigorous, cutting-edge, and behavioral research methods. The Department of Behavioral Science is a highly productive, collegial, and collaborative basic science research and training department in the College of Medicine.
The ideal candidate will be an early-career scientist (i.e., Assistant Professor level) with NIH- or other extramurally funded research or a strong promise of attaining such funding; maintain a focus on behavioral health; contribute to the department's teaching mission; engage in research mentorship; and contribute to a vibrant collaborative and interdisciplinary community of scholars from the behavioral sciences, public health, social sciences, communication, health services research, biomedical informatics, health sciences (nursing, medicine, psychiatry, nutrition, pharmacy, etc.), and/or others. An attractive start up package, premium, and contiguous space, and excellent benefits will be provided. The University of Kentucky is in the beautiful, progressive, and accessible city of Lexington. Lexington, with over 300,000 residents, offers a high quality of life, affordability and a well-educated population.
Faculty members will be expected to conduct innovative, rigorous, grant funded research and engage in scholarly activities (peer reviewed publications, presentations, etc.). Faculty members also will contribute to undergraduate teaching in the Lewis Honors College, behaviorally oriented undergraduate medical education, and research training of UK graduate students and postdoctoral scholars associated with the Department of Behavioral Science, including mentorship programs, courses, workshops, and supervised research. Faculty members also are expected to engage in broader collaborative and interdisciplinary research and training initiatives across all 16 Colleges of the University of Kentucky, including Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Public Health, Pharmacy, Nursing, Communication and Information Sciences, Health Sciences, etc. These initiatives include grant consultation and review; a dynamic speaker series and other enriching events like our annual campus research events; pilot project competitions; and outreach to the lay public. Several affiliated Centers at the University of Kentucky support behavioral health-related research, including the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR) and the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET), the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), and the Sanders Brown Center on Aging (SBCOA).
Please include an updated CV and Cover Letter when applying to this position. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Research productivity and excellence, training and education capacity; leadership skills; collaborative orientation.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Ph.D. or equivalent and demonstrate experience in clinical and translational behavioral health research; Experience with clinical or community-based interventions and/or mechanistic research related to etiology of behavioral health disorders is strongly desired. Candidates with research expertise in the fields of psychology, sociology, epidemiology, and/or public health are preferred.
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.
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