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Animal Behavior Research Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Research Technician

Raleigh, NC

$17.50 - $24/hr

Our mission is to advance the veterinary profession and animal health through ongoing discovery and ... Collect, process, and analyze kinetic, behavioral, and laboratory research data in accordance with ...

We are developing new DNA sequencing-based techniques that track the dietary plant and animal ... behavioral, and socioeconomic determinants of diet. Our projects are funded by awards from Schmidt ...

We are developing new DNA sequencing-based techniques that track the dietary plant and animal ... behavioral, and socioeconomic determinants of diet. Our projects are funded by awards from Schmidt ...

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Animal Behavior Research information

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$8

$23

$49

How much do animal behavior research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal behavior research in Raleigh, NC is $23.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $27.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior Research jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Animal Behavior Research jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Behavior Research jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Animal Behavior Research jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Behavior Research jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Behavior Research jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Behavior Research jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Behavior Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Behavior Research job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,862 per year, or $24 per hour.
Animal Care Associate

$17.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Charles River Laboratories rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Overview

As an Animal Care Technician for our production site in Raleigh, NC, you will be responsible for the well-being of our research animals. Your contribution will ensure the health of our animals, as well as impact the lives of patients across the world. You will perform routine animal husbandry and other production duties. You will also maintain supplies and environment of environmentally-controlled work area(s).

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! On the job training will be provided.

* This is a temporary opportunity with the potential to be hired as a full-time, employee. On the job training will be provided.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform routine animal husbandry duties and monitor daily health and welfare to maintain quality and health of animals.
  • Handle, transfer, and distribute animals, supplies and waste as needed to and from work area(s).
  • Monitor animal health by observing animal behavior, physical appearance, and physical environment.  Identify and report any abnormal findings.
  • Responsible for collecting health monitoring swabs and following health monitoring schedules.
  • Perform physical environment housekeeping duties and production operations according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and/or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Maintain recordkeeping pertaining to animal or supply area inventories.
  • Strictly follow all procedures necessary to maintain the barrier room barrier.
  • Use supplies according to safety guidelines. Perform all job-related duties in accordance with company safety procedures
  • Colony Management
  • Requires the ability to safely lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

Animal Care Technician I

  • No experience required

Animal Care Technician II

Candidates must possess one of the following:

  • 1 year of related experience and/or training in animal husbandry
  • Associate's Degree or higher level education

The pay range for this position is $17.75 to $19.00 USD per hour.  Please note the range covers levels I - II, salary will depend on level, in addition to factors such as experience, skills, and certification.

About Research Models & Services
Fundamental to basic research and discovery is the use of in vivo models to help identify disease targets and determine potential biological pathways that regulate the condition.  As the world’s leader in the production and distribution of the highest quality research animal, with 1 out of 2 animal models produced for preclinical research globally, we understand the importance of this step. With seven decades of experience, our expertise is unmatched, allowing us to provide you with the perfect model, including disease-specific and preconditioned options, for basic research and beyond.


About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life.  Based on your position these may include:  bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For more information, please visit www.criver.com.


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About Charles River

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1947