ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Behavior Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harris County

Animal Behaviorist

Houston, TX

$39K/yr

Stays informed on the latest research, theories, and best practices in animal behavior to continuously improve shelter practices and protocols. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer If you ...

Harris County, TX

Animal Behaviorist

Houston, TX · On-site

Stays informed on the latest research, theories, and best practices in animal behavior to continuously improve shelter practices and protocols. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer If you ...

Harris County

Animal Behaviorist

Houston, TX · On-site

$39K/yr

Stays informed on the latest research, theories, and best practices in animal behavior to continuously improve shelter practices and protocols. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer If you ...

Bideawee

Animal Behavior Coordinator

Westhampton, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Conduct playgroups, recording play styles and other behavior notes into shelter software * Assist ... Willingness to learn about animal behavior and training and to attend continuing education ...

Bideawee

Animal Behavior Coordinator

Westhampton, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Conduct playgroups, recording play styles and other behavior notes into shelter software * Assist ... Willingness to learn about animal behavior and training and to attend continuing education ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Behavior Research Assistant Jobs

Animal Behavior Research Assistant information

What is the difference between Animal Behavior Research Assistant vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal Behavior Research AssistantAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, or related fieldOften requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or animal behavior studiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizations, animal behavior studiesAnimal shelters, veterinary practices, zoos, pet care facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Animal Behavior Research Assistant primarily focuses on studying animal behavior through experiments and data analysis, often requiring a background in science or psychology. In contrast, the Animal Care Technician provides hands-on care and daily management of animals in shelters or clinics. While both roles involve working with animals, their work environments, responsibilities, and required credentials differ significantly.

What does an Animal Behavior Research Assistant do?

An Animal Behavior Research Assistant helps scientists study how animals act and interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. Their tasks often include observing animals, collecting and recording behavioral data, setting up experiments, and sometimes handling or caring for animals. They may work in laboratories, zoos, wildlife reserves, or in the field. This role is essential for advancing our understanding of animal behavior, which can inform conservation efforts, animal welfare, and scientific research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Behavior Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Behavior Research Assistant, you typically need a background in biology, psychology, or animal science, with experience in research methods and data collection. Familiarity with statistical analysis software, behavioral coding tools, and laboratory or field equipment is essential. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you accurately record findings and collaborate with research teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing reliable research outcomes and contributing meaningfully to scientific understanding of animal behavior.

What are some common challenges faced by Animal Behavior Research Assistants in fieldwork settings?

Animal Behavior Research Assistants often encounter unpredictable factors during fieldwork, such as sudden changes in animal activity, weather conditions, and difficult terrain. These challenges require adaptability and patience, as data collection schedules may need to be adjusted on short notice. Additionally, assistants must maintain meticulous records and follow strict protocols to ensure data accuracy, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Collaboration with other researchers and effective communication are key to overcoming these obstacles and achieving research goals.
More about Animal Behavior Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Behavior Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Animal Behavior Research Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Animal Behavior Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Behavior Research Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior Research Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior Research Assistant jobs are:
Animal Behavior Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 14% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Laboratory Research Operations Assistant

Laboratory Research Operations Assistant

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$19 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Connelly Laboratory at the University of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Research Operations Assistant to join our interdisciplinary research team. This position is ideal for candidates interested in gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and animal behavior.
The Connelly Lab conducts cutting-edge research in translational neuroepigenetics, with a focus on how DNA methylation and gene regulation shape brain development, behavior, and health across the lifespan. Our work integrates molecular biology, genomics, imaging and animal models to understand how early-life experiences-particularly birth interventions-impact the oxytocin system in mothers and offspring.
We are a well-funded, collaborative, and highly productive lab, offering opportunities for meaningful scientific contribution and professional development. Learn more at www.connellylab.com .
Position Overview
The Laboratory Research Operations Assistant will work closely with Professor Jessica Connelly and lab members to support both research execution and laboratory operations. This role combines molecular biology, imaging, and animal behavior research, and lab management, making it ideal for candidates seeking a broad and immersive research experience.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an active animal colony, generating molecular data, collecting imaging data and supporting experimental workflows, while also contributing to the overall functioning of a dynamic research environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain and manage a small animal breeding colony, including daily husbandry
  • Conduct and record behavioral observations and analyses
  • Assist with small animal surgical procedures
  • Perform tissue collection, processing, and biobanking
  • Isolate and analyze DNA and RNA from tissues and cells
  • Assist with cell culture and molecular biology workflows
  • Assist with confocal and other imaging modalities, including neuroimaging
  • Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and ensure data quality
  • Manage laboratory inventory, reagents, and supplies
  • Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and safety protocols
  • Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants
  • Support general laboratory operations, including organization, maintenance, and workflow optimization
  • Contribute to manuscripts, grant preparation, and scientific presentations
  • Other duties as assigned

What We Offer
  • Direct mentorship from the PI and senior scientists
  • Opportunities for authorship on scientific publications
  • Experience contributing to grant writing and experimental design
  • Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
  • A collaborative, intellectually engaging lab environment

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 1 year of laboratory experience (including undergraduate research); Bachelor's degree may substitute for experience

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline
  • Experience with rodent models and animal handling
  • Background in animal behavior analysis
  • Experience with dissection and/or small animal surgery
  • Familiarity with DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, or molecular biology techniques
  • Experience with cell culture
  • Experience with neuroimaging pipeline design and analysis

Salary range: $19.00-$21.50/hour (commensurate with experience)
Physical Demands: This position can spend extensive periods of time standing and squatting while conducting experiments or caring for animals. Also requires keyboarding and other benchwork and animal procedures requiring fine finger manipulation.
This is a restricted position; continuation is dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
This position is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This is a full-time benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.
Application Process:
Please apply online , and search for R0082682. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete an application online with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration. This position is open until filled.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three are required.
For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, js9rk@virginia.edu.
Job Profile
J1882 - Laboratory Research Operations and Service 1
Career Stream and Level
Operations and Service-O1
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

View All University of Virginia Jobs

Apply