A scientist who applied for a job at the University of Kentucky claims he didn't get the job because he's a Christian.

Martin Gaskell was considered a top candidate for a prestigious position at the student observatory.

One member of the search committee said he was "breathtakingly above the other applicants." But other members of the committee said he was "something close to a creationist" and "potentially evangelical."

But Gaskell says he is not a creationist. He claims he was passed over for the job at UK's MacAdam Student Observatory three years ago because of his religion and statements that were perceived to be critical of the theory of evolution.

Gaskell has sued the university, claiming lost income and emotional distress. Last month, a judge rejected a motion from the university and allowed it to go to trial Feb. 8.

Prejudice against Christian scientists is nothing new. The movie, "Expelled," released a few years ago, exposed other cases of religious discrimination in the scientific community.