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Animal Behavior Research Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

... research group, providing technical support for ongoing projects and contributing to the lab's vibrant scientific environment. Responsibilities Animal Behavior * Handle and train rats on complex ...

Lab Technician

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$19 - $21.63/hr

... research group, providing technical support for ongoing projects and contributing to the lab's vibrant scientific environment. Responsibilities Animal Behavior * Handle and train rats on complex ...

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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Research job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Animal Care Technicians

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$17 - $21.82/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


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Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

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Job description

Details
Open Date 07/17/2026 Requisition Number PRN45676B Job Title Animal Care Technicians Working Title Animal Care Technicians Career Progression Track S00 Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate, S1 - Entry Level Support FLSA Code Nonexempt Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
Days
VP Area President Department 00717 - Office of Comparative Medicine Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $17 - $21.82 Close Date 10/17/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
Perform day-to-day care of laboratory animals. Supply food and water to animals. Clean and disinfect equipment, cages, and supplies. Assist in animal restraint. Monitor animals and environment throughout research projects and notify scientists or veterinarians of any issues. Perform routine animal research, development, and/or studies. Make observations and collect and analyze data on animal behavior. Assist in preparing technical reports, summaries, protocols, and analyses. Follow standard procedures and protocols. May prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities
1. Provides clean caging, bedding, food, and water to animals.
2. Sanitizes animal cages and equipment, operates washroom machinery and autoclaves.
3. Cleans animal facility floors and surfaces, removes trash and other wastes.
4. Reports animal health issues and environmental deviations to supervisory staff.
5. Completes facility records documenting husbandry, environment, and inventory.
6. Maintains workstation supply levels

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Animal Care Technician, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Animal Care Technician, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Animal Care Technician, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Preferences Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850