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Animal Behavior Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Behavior Research information

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$8

$21

$45

How much do animal behavior research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behavior research in Michigan is $21.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.93 and $25.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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

The most popular types of Animal Behavior Research jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior Research jobs in Michigan?

For Animal Behavior Research jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Research job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,302 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Senior Principal Scientist - Global Biologics, Swine

Zoetis, Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Zoetis rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Zoetis Veterinary Medicine Research and Development (VMRD), Swine Biologicals group inKalamazoo, MI is seeking a Manager or Senior Manager, Swine Clinician, to further efforts in vaccine discovery and development to support introduction of novel products to the global swine industry.
The successful candidate will design and execute swine biologics clinical studies in compliance with US CVB and/or EU EMA and/or other global regulatory requirements. The individual will have demonstrated skills and expertise in hypothesis-based research, clinical study design and conduct, and data interpretation. They will employ their skills and experience to deliver pilot and pivotal, clinical and non-clinical studies resulting in product registrations. This will include swine model development and refinement for demonstration of vaccine safety and efficacy testing. They will provide expertise in the areas of swine medicine, swine disease, critical study design, and study execution.
This job location is Kalamazoo, Michigan.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Zoetis is the largest animal health company in the world with an industry-leading research and development team. The Swine Biologics group conducts basic and applied research to support development of safe and effective vaccines for the global swine industry. We are recruiting a highly motivated veterinary clinical scientist to contribute to advancing strategies in swine vaccine development at Zoetis. This scientist will have a specific focus on developing and conducting clinical studies in swine.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for overall design and conduct of clinical studies and programs in support of Veterinary Medicine Research & Development (VMRD) swine vaccine projects i.e. hypothesis driven study design, protocol development/writing, study monitoring including potential animal observations, data analysis and interpretation, report and technical section/regulatory dossier writing.
  • Develop swine models of infectious disease in the appropriate age animals to support vaccine efficacy testing. Understand normal swine health and behavior to support vaccine safety testing.
  • Ensure studies are conducted in compliance with applicable requirements, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), corporate policies, and regulatory requirements and guidelines (e.g., Good Clinical Practice and Good Laboratory Practice). Some GLP work may be required.
  • Ability to proactively apply experience in a cross-functional team is required. Collaborate with both Clinical and Project teams to define and track progress of study status, activities, timelines, and outcomes. Identify when resource, time, and/or budget constraints occur and work with the Project Manager and Project Team Leader to identify solutions.
  • Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs to gain protocol approval and subsequently support the submission of reports/data to global regulatory agencies.
  • Ability to organize and manage several projects and responsibilities at one time and prioritize work is required.
  • Observations and applying hands-on expertise at laboratory and field study sites are required.
  • Occasional travel is required.
  • Prepare internal and external presentations and publications as appropriate to support team, organizational, and personal goals.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential.
  • Support development of colleagues within the Clinical and Project teams.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Minimum Experience: DVM/VMD or equivalent with experience in swine health.
  • Preferred Experience: DVM/VMD or equivalent with 3 years' experience as a swine practitioner, in swine production, and/or PhD or MS in a swine health or production animal discipline, and/or experience in swine clinical development in the Animal Health Industry. Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.

Full time
Regular
Colleague
Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.
Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.
Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.
Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at zoetiscolleagueservices@zoetis.com to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of "@zoetis.com". In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.

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