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Animal Behavior Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dundee Park District

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build professional skills for your future career. What You'll Do: * Assist keepers with daily animal care ...

Dundee Township Park District

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build professional skills for your future career. What You'll Do: * Assist keepers with daily animal care ...

Dundee Township Parks District

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build professional skills for your future career. What You'll Do: * Assist keepers with daily animal care ...

Dundee Township Park District

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build professional skills for your future career. What You'll Do: * Assist keepers with daily animal care ...

Dundee Township Parks District

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

You'll also complete meaningful projects, like animal behavior research, that help you build professional skills for your future career. What You'll Do: * Assist keepers with daily animal care ...

BluePearl Pet Hospitals

Emergency Veterinarian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$220K - $240K/yr

Educate animal owners on animal behavior. Research how to protect humans from infection by animal diseases. Participate in hospital medical meetings and professional forums. Travel: Domestic travel ...

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Animal Behavior Research information

What is animal behavior research?

Animal behavior research is the scientific study of how animals interact with each other and their environments. Researchers observe, record, and analyze behaviors such as feeding, mating, communication, and social dynamics in a variety of species. The goal is to understand the underlying biological, ecological, and evolutionary factors that shape animal actions. This field can involve both laboratory and fieldwork, and findings often contribute to wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and our overall understanding of animal intelligence.

How to get a job in animal behavior research?

The qualifications you need to start working in animal behavior research include a degree, research skills, and the ability to communicate your findings concisely. The minimum educational requirement for an animal behaviorist is a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field. If you perform research in an academic setting, you typically need a master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field. Veterinary technicians or lab technicians have a two or four-year degree in veterinary technology, animal science, or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire licensed veterinarians for research projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal behavior researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behavior Researcher, you need a solid background in biology, psychology, or animal science, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with statistical software, behavioral observation tools, and sometimes animal handling certifications are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help researchers design studies, interpret data, and share findings. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, ethical animal care, and meaningful contributions to scientific knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in animal behavior research, and how can they be managed?

Animal behavior researchers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal responses, difficulty in controlling environmental variables, and the need for long observation periods. Managing these challenges involves designing flexible research protocols, using advanced technology for monitoring, and collaborating closely with other researchers, veterinarians, and caretakers. Developing strong observational skills and patience is essential, as is keeping up with ethical standards and best practices in animal welfare.

What is the difference between Animal Behavior Research vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal Behavior ResearchAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in animal behavior, biology, or related field; research experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, field studiesZoos, shelters, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research institutions, NGOsAnimal shelters, zoos, pet stores
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, career paths in animal behaviorAnimal care duties, hands-on animal handling

Animal Behavior Research involves studying animal actions through scientific methods, often requiring specialized education and research experience. In contrast, Animal Care Specialists focus on caring for animals in various settings, emphasizing hands-on animal handling and daily care. Both roles are vital in the animal industry but differ in their focus, credentials, and work environments.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior Research jobs?

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Animal Behavior Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Animal Behavior Technician

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

University of Pittsburgh
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Pittsburghexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Animal Behavior Technician
DLAR-Veterinary Services - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26004526)

The individual will serve as an Animal Behavior Technician within the Division of Laboratory and Animal Resources (DLAR). The individual will assume a lead veterinary support role by assisting DLAR veterinarians, managers, and supervisors with enhancing the animal environment for all species and providing for the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates (NHPs) and regulated birds as required by applicable regulations, industry guidelines, and institutional and DLAR policies and practices.
The position requires successful enrollment in the University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by the current research activities.
Vaccination and/or TB testing may be required.
The successful candidate must be able to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions, maintain accurate and legible records and other forms of documentation, consistently demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills, be available to work weekends and holidays, travel to multiple buildings in a timely manner, stand for extended periods of time, lift 50 pounds, push/pull heavy equipment, pass the mandatory criminal and social background check, and possibly the PA Child Abuse History Clearance and/or Federal Select Agent Clearance.


Job Summary

Performs behavioral assessments on new and existing acquisitions of nonhuman primates. Supports the research program by promoting the environmental enhancement and psychological well-being of nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species, in accordance with regulatory requirements.


Essential Functions

The employee must be able to:

  • Read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable;
  • Follow written and verbal instructions;
  • Have sufficient visual acuity and manual dexterity to recognize and identify normal and abnormal species specific clinical appearances and behavior patterns, safely handle and restrain the animal species involved with his/her duties, and operate and maintain facility equipment and supplies utilized in the provision of veterinary care and animal husbandry and care;
  • Wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S;
  • Work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary;
  • Accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications (e.g., PRISM, CAMS);
  • Effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email;
  • Receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices.

Physical Effort

The employee must be able to:

  • Stand for extended periods of time throughout the majority of the work day;
  • Lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including but not limited to caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding, and operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to move heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds;
  • Perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, reaching, and/or bending;
  • Physically handle and restrain a variety of small and large laboratory animals;
  • Negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Job Classification: Staff.Animal Behavior Technician
Job Family: Research
Job Sub Family: Animal Research
Campus: Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required: High School Diploma/GED
Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No
Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: Internal candidates: Certification by AALAS at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level External candidates: Certification by AALAS at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level within 12 months of start date
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7am - 4pm. Some weekends and holidays.
Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
Relocation_Offered: No
Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.
Required Documents: Resume
Optional Documents: Not Applicable

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