Inside Higher Ed
Job Title
Research Associate
Requisition Number RE52718
Department Name 8H350: Mining Engineering
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 44
Salary Range $43,805-70,075/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education PhD
Required Related Experience No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification None
Physical Requirements Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects 10-25 lbs, working in lab surroundings, sitting for computer analyses.
Shift Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Job Summary The Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Kentucky is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our innovative research team. This position will play a key role in advancing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for underground mine inspections. The successful candidate will work on multidisciplinary research projects involving field deployment of robotic systems, sensor integration, environmental data analysis, and automation in harsh underground environments. The position offers opportunities to lead experiments, contribute to scholarly publications, and collaborate with industry and government stakeholders to make underground mines safer and more efficient.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Experience working with Robot Operating System (ROS), LiDAR, or drone/UAV operation.
Familiarity with underground mining conditions and ventilation systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Education/Experience
Relevant experience working with robotic systems, sensors, or underground environments.
Demonstrates ability to conduct and lead field experiments and contribute to scholarly output.
Deadline to Apply 01/06/2026
Equivalencies Information https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
EEO Statement 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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Requisition Number RE52718
Department Name 8H350: Mining Engineering
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 44
Salary Range $43,805-70,075/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education PhD
Required Related Experience No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification None
Physical Requirements Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects 10-25 lbs, working in lab surroundings, sitting for computer analyses.
Shift Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Job Summary The Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Kentucky is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our innovative research team. This position will play a key role in advancing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for underground mine inspections. The successful candidate will work on multidisciplinary research projects involving field deployment of robotic systems, sensor integration, environmental data analysis, and automation in harsh underground environments. The position offers opportunities to lead experiments, contribute to scholarly publications, and collaborate with industry and government stakeholders to make underground mines safer and more efficient.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Experience working with Robot Operating System (ROS), LiDAR, or drone/UAV operation.
Familiarity with underground mining conditions and ventilation systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Education/Experience
Relevant experience working with robotic systems, sensors, or underground environments.
Demonstrates ability to conduct and lead field experiments and contribute to scholarly output.
Deadline to Apply 01/06/2026
Equivalencies Information https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
EEO Statement 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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