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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Lab Assistant information

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How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Portland, ME is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $23.61 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 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.

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 Portland, ME?

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

What job categories do people searching Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Animal Lab Assistant jobs near you

Laboratory Animal Technician I (per diem) - MaineHealth Institute for Research

Maine Medical Center

Scarborough, ME • On-site

$20.68 - $25.10/hr

Per diem

Posted 23 days ago

Maine Medical Center rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

553rd of 1,059 rated hospitals

Job description

Description
MaineHealth Institute for Research
Service/Maintenance Support
Req #: 86016
Summary:
If you're interested in supporting research in a part-time way (which may lead to a full-time role) and maintaining your work/life flexibility, we welcome your application!
This Lab Animal Tech I position is designed for someone interested in supporting the operation of the MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR) Animal Facility, under general supervision of the Animal Facility Manager. The MHIR Animal Facility supports research projects from over 20 Principal Investigator-driven research labs. We have world-class scientists working on the most advanced biomedical problems. The Lab Animal Tech in this position will work on a team to help ensure proper care and humane treatment of approximately 10,000 mice for their use in research. The MHIR Animal Facility is proudly and fully accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). This is a per diem position as needed to cover absences/extra workload.
This position is an onsite, per diem, and non-benefitted role at our Scarborough, ME research facility. There is the possibility of this role converting to a full-time, benefitted role over time and only if the candidate is interested.
Learn more about the MaineHealth Institute for Research in this short video .
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  1. Education: Associate degree in an Animal Science or Veterinary program preferred.
  2. License/Certifications: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification preferred.
  3. Experience: Two (2) years of experience working with animals.
  4. Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Ability to follow written and oral instructions and maintain accurate, legible records. Interpersonal skills necessary to maintain effective communication.

Additional Information
MaineHealth is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where care team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Maine and New Hampshire. We offer competitive benefits including paid parental leave, flexible work options, student loan assistance, professional development opportunities, and well-being resources-so you can grow your career while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
We recognize the value each team member brings to our organization. Any offer of employment will depend on qualifications such as skills, relevant experience, education, certifications, and other job-related factors. The base range is an estimate and does not reflect the full value of our total compensation package.
The pay range for this position is $20.68 to $25.10 per hour.
Compensation for part-time positions is determined on a prorated basis consistent with the scheduled hours and applicable full-time equivalent (FTE).
In addition to base pay, MaineHealth offers comprehensive benefits, recognition programs, career growth opportunities, and, where applicable, shift differentials or other incentives.
If you have questions about this role, please contact [email protected]
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to [email protected] .
Notice Regarding Maine Employer Surveillance Statute: Pursuant to Maine's Employer Surveillance Statute, prospective care team members are notified that MaineHealth may monitor, collect, record, review, or retain information related to the use of its systems, networks, applications, files, data, communications platforms (including notified recordings), smart badges, building access, company vehicle GPS data, business calls, and workplace security cameras.
Information collected may be used for legitimate business purposes, including security, safety, compliance, investigations, training, quality assurance, and operational management.

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