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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Cape Cod, MA (NOW HIRING)

Tufts University

Lab Animal Care Technician

Grafton, MA

$16 - $21.50/hr

Essential Functions as a Lab Animal Technician will be: Animal Care and Husbandry * Cleaning ... Administer medications. Assist Veterinarians and Investigators in procedures performed on ...

System One

Animal Technician

Boston, MA · On-site

$21/hr

Maintain facility sanitation and perform routine maintenance * Assist with scheduled weekend ... Willing to consider recent graduates interested in working with animals and in a lab setting System ...

System One Holdings, LLC

Animal Technician

Boston, MA

$21/hr

Maintain facility sanitation and perform routine maintenance * Assist with scheduled weekend ... Willing to consider recent graduates interested in working with animals and in a lab setting System ...

Smithers Group

Laboratory Assistant

Wareham, MA

$18/hr

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

Smithers

Laboratory Assistant

Wareham, MA

$18/hr

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

Tufts Medicine

$43K - $53K/yr

The Swain laboratory studies the "Therapeutic role of HIF-1a and its downstream signaling during acute myocardial infarction injury in translationally relevant large animal model (swine)". The ...

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Animal Lab Assistant information

See Cape Cod, MA salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Cape Cod, MA is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Animal Lab Assistants?

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.

Can you be a vet assistant with no experience?

Animal lab assistant roles often require some related experience or training, but entry-level positions may be available for those without prior experience. Basic knowledge of animal care, safety procedures, and the ability to follow instructions are important, and on-the-job training is typically provided. Certifications in animal handling or safety can improve chances of employment.

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 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.

How to become an animal lab technician?

To become an animal lab technician, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by completing a relevant postsecondary program such as a certificate or associate degree in laboratory technology, biology, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining certifications like the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) credential can improve job prospects. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and the ability to handle animals ethically are essential skills for this role.

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 is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working in specialized fields such as clinical, industrial, or research laboratories, with salaries increasing with experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries. In some cases, senior or managerial lab technicians can earn over $70,000 annually, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical sectors. Animal lab assistants typically earn less, with salaries varying based on location and level of expertise.

What is an assistant laboratory animal technician?

An assistant laboratory animal technician supports the care and management of laboratory animals, such as rodents or primates, in research settings. They perform tasks like feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and maintaining records, often working under the supervision of a veterinarian or senior technician. Basic knowledge of animal handling and adherence to safety and ethical standards are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Cape Cod, MA? For Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Cape Cod, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Cape Cod, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Cape Cod, MA are:
What cities near Cape Cod, MA are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Cape Cod, MA with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:
Animal Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Cape Cod, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 39% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Lab Assistant - Histology

Lab Assistant - Histology

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.

Shrewsbury, MA

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Charles River Laboratories rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 71 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

Perform basic laboratory and record-keeping tasks. Support the functions of the in-life, necropsy and formulation/analytical groups.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Wash and dry glassware and distribute to appropriate locations within the laboratory. Keep glass-washing area clean and organized. May sterilize glassware and other items using an autoclave.
Label collection tubes and perform laboratory set-up/clean-up (e.g., dusting, mopping floors, emptying & filling feed jars, etc).
Perform basic husbandry duties such as liner changes or filling of feed jars.
Verify and record the temperature of assigned refrigerators or freezers.
Assist in the archiving of study-specific samples (e.g. back-up formulations, biological liquids or animal tissues).
Assist in preparing for animal arrivals. This may include preparing cages (attaching water lines, feed jars, cage tag holders), ensuring sippers work, ensuring cages are appropriate for species being housed and placing cage tags on the holders.
Process biological samples (e.g. plasma, serum, whole blood, urine, etc.) for possible analysis.
Assist technical personnel with clerical duties (e.g., filing, making copies, cage tags, etc.).
Monitor and maintain inventory and stock assigned areas (e.g. PPE Stations, 1st aid boxes).
May record observations and measurements for basic lab/research task (e.g. behavioral evaluations).
Handle, restrain, and transfer small to medium size animals from one location to another.
Operate basic lab equipment and perform routine maintenance as needed.
Perform limited troubleshooting and calibration of instruments as appropriate for assigned area.
May be responsible for preparing simple lab solutions (e.g., buffers, media/common vehicles, bleach, and eye wash)).
May generate reports, master data sheets, forms and hand record data.
Perform all tasks in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Transport, via company vehicles (truck, golf cart or car) supplies to multiple buildings (e.g. test articles, bio-hazard boxes, dry ice, reagents, etc
Perform all other related duties as assigned.

The pay for this position is between $18.00 - $21.00/hour. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.).
Experience: None.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Certification/Licensure: Must have valid, state-issued, driver's license.Other: Must be detail-oriented and have general familiarity with lab procedures. Good verbal communication skills required. Basic computer skills; familiarity with Microsoft Office software

Education
No degree required
Physical Requirements

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.

What Charles River Laboratories employees say

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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

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