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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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Prepare cage tags and individual animal number tags; prepare and autoclave cages. Prepare data ... Ensure adequate supply of dosage equipment during study. Assist in ensuring adequate supply of ...

Key Responsibilities • Assist with routine laboratory maintenance tasks including cage/tank cleaning, equipment washing, and workspace preparation • Support daily animal/organism care activities ...

Key Responsibilities • Assist with routine laboratory maintenance tasks including cage/tank cleaning, equipment washing, and workspace preparation • Support daily animal/organism care activities ...

Vet Assistant

Lynn, MA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Pay Range: $18-$22 (Based on experience) Saugus Animal Hospital is a growing three-doctor practice ... Collect and prepare lab samples * Provide compassionate client communication and education

... animal colonies, including insects (primarily butterflies), crustaceans, and other marine ... This specialist will collaborate directly with Patel Lab researchers to care for and prepare ...

Veterinary Assistant

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

The pay range for this position is $22-$26/hr VCA Plymouth Animal Hospital is seeking a talented ... Lab sample collection and processing * Diagnostic imaging * Surgical preparation and assisting

At Medway Animal Hospital, we're dedicated and passionate animal lovers just like you. Our ... Collect lab samples and maintain accurate patient records. * Educate clients on pet care and ensure ...

At Medway Animal Hospital, we're dedicated and passionate animal lovers just like you. Our ... Collect lab samples and maintain accurate patient records. * Educate clients on pet care and ensure ...

At Medway Animal Hospital, we're dedicated and passionate animal care providers just like you. Our ... Collect lab samples and maintain accurate patient records. * Educate clients on pet care and ensure ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Lab Assistant information

See Massachusetts salary details

$11

$22

$32

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Massachusetts is $22.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.19 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 cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Massachusetts 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 $45,993 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Laboratory Animal Behavioral Technician I

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.

Shrewsbury, MA

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Charles River Laboratories rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd 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

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Lab Animal Behavioral Technician I (Habituation Technician) to join our Veterinary Services team. In this role, you will support animal behavioral management programs by assisting with acclimation, enrichment, and conditioning activities that help prepare animals for study procedures. This position is ideal for individuals with animal care, husbandry, veterinary, or life sciences experience who are passionate about promoting animal welfare and providing high-quality care.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm  (or 8:00am-4:30pm)
Job Type: Full-Time

The pay rate for this position is $21/hour.  Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Key Responsibilities

  • Handle animals and assist with acclimation programs that prepare animals for study procedures.
  • Support behavioral management initiatives through basic operant conditioning techniques.
  • Maintain, track, and review data related to acclimation and enrichment programs.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and records related to behavioral management programs.
  • Receive, label, store, and organize food and enrichment supplies.
  • Assist with food preparation and enrichment inventory management.
  • Provide appropriate environmental and social enrichment opportunities for animals.
  • Build, maintain, and evaluate enrichment devices.
  • Collaborate with veterinary, animal care, and other laboratory medicine teams to ensure animal welfare standards are met.

Qualifications

Required:

  • High school diploma or GED plus 1 year of relevant experience, or
  • Associate degree in Animal Science, Life Sciences, or a related field.
  • Experience working with animals in a research, husbandry, veterinary, shelter, kennel, or similar environment.
  • Ability to safely handle common laboratory animal species.
  • Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
  • Multi-species animal care experience.
  • AALAS ALAT certification.
  • Knowledge of laboratory animal care standards, protocols, and regulatory requirements. 

Physical Requirements

This position is based in a research and animal care environment. Employees may work around laboratory equipment, animal allergens, biological materials, and varying noise levels. Safety equipment and training are provided. 

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
  • Ability to push wheeled carts weighing up to 1,200 lbs.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout an 8-hour shift.
  • Comfortable working in animal care and research environments.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). 

About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market.  Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.


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