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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UC San Diego Health

$27.54 - $33.13/hr

... animal models of key psychiatric and neurological symptom dimensions aimed at developing new ... Proven ability to maintain lab equipment by performing the following tasks: set-up, operation, test ...

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Animal Lab Assistant information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in California is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal lab assistant?

Animal Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientific research by caring for laboratory animals and maintaining their living environments. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting researchers with experiments. Their work ensures that animals are treated ethically and that experiments are conducted in a safe, controlled environment. Animal Lab Assistants may also help with maintaining records and administering medications as directed by veterinarians or researchers.

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

To thrive as an Animal Lab Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, handling procedures, and basic laboratory techniques, often supported by a relevant certification or associate degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and compliance regulations such as IACUC protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the well-being of laboratory animals, the accuracy of research data, and adherence to ethical and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Animal Lab Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols, handling animals with care under potentially stressful conditions, and managing time efficiently between various tasks like feeding, cleaning, and record-keeping. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, stay up to date on animal care guidelines, and communicate effectively with research staff and veterinarians. Regular training and working closely within the team can also help ensure both animal welfare and research integrity are maintained.

What is the difference between Animal Lab Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Lab AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Lab Assistants primarily support research labs and animal care in laboratory settings, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians work in veterinary clinics or hospitals, requiring specialized education and certification. While both roles involve animal care, Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform clinical procedures, whereas Animal Lab Assistants focus on supporting research activities.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Lab Assistant jobs in California?

For Animal Lab Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Lab Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Lab Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Animal Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,562 per year, or $20 per hour.

Laboratory Assistant II

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of references. Please have these documents ready for upload when completing your application. You may combine your cover letter and list of references into a single file and copy and paste it in the "Cover Letter" section.


Department Summary
The UCLA Department of Psychology is an exceptional department known for its excellence in research, teaching, and service. With a distinguished faculty comprising more than 60 ladder rank members, it is one of the nation's top psychology departments. Its undergraduate program is the largest within the Division of Life Sciences and the UCLA College, with more than 4,700 undergraduate students enrolled across three majors: Psychology, Psychobiology, and Cognitive Science. The department also offers a comprehensive Ph.D. program with eight areas of study to approximately 200 enrolled graduate students.
Position Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior lab personnel, the Lab Assistant will assist with routine laboratory maintenance, performance of established and clearly outlined lab tasks, animal care, and behavioral testing. The lab assistant will also assist with the reporting and regulatory compliance of lab operations following previously outlined templates and under the direction of the PI. Thus the lab assistant will be expected to contribute assistance to several different established, routine lab tasks that have clearly delineated procedures.


Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
  • 6-18 months Experience handling and caring for rodents in a behavioral Neuroscience lab, including basic familiarity to novice understanding of rodent behavioral neuroscience. (Required)
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and additional training will be provided. (Required)
  • Basic to novice level understanding of histological procedures. (Required)
  • Strong organizational skills. (Required)
  • General awareness of, or willingness to learn animal, lab, and biosafety regulatory procedures. (Preferred)

    • Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
  • Bachelor's Degree Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)

    • Special Conditions for Employment
  • Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
  • Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

    • Schedule
    8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Union/Policy Covered
    TX-Systemwide Technical
    Complete Position Description
    https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&jobcode=MI-DPT087500-JC009603-PD168141

    What UCLA employees say

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    About University of California Los Angeles

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    Industry

    Colleges, universities, and professional schools, e-learning, scientific research and development services, non-profits, business management consulting, clean energy semiconductors manufacturing, investment clubs and venture capital companies and human resources consulting services

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Los Angeles, CA, US

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