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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Receptionist

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$16 - $17.50/hr

Finger Lakes Animal Hospital is Hiring a Veterinary Receptionist! Position Details * Role ... Answer phones and assist with appointment scheduling * Support patient check-in and check-out ...

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Animal Lab Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Rochester, NY 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 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.

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 cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,552 per year, or $20 per hour.
Supervisor, Research Animal Lab

Supervisor, Research Animal Lab

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY

$27.16 - $38.03/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400170 Vivarium M&D

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 109 H

Compensation Range:

$27.16 - $38.03

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

This position provides direct research support through overall management of the Gorbunova and Seluanov laboratories and supervision of staff and students involved in animal care and research activities. Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, UCAR/IACUC protocols, Animal Resource policies, and Standard Operating Procedures. Oversee animal breeding and aging colony management, husbandry practices, staff training, and daily laboratory operations for all species, including weekend and holiday coverage. Collaborates with UCAR/IACUC, Animal Resource, DCM veterinarians, Facilities, and research collaborators to support compliance, animal welfare, laboratory operations, training and implementation of new technologies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Supervises students (graduate and undergraduate) and staff (research technicians and post-doctoral and visiting scientists) in providing high-quality care for all research animals used by the laboratory. Ensures personnel perform duties in compliance with all applicable regulations, UCAR/IACUC-approved protocols, UCAR/Animal Resources policies, and Standard Operating Procedures, including required animal monitoring, adherence to veterinary directives, and proper procedural practices. Participate in the annual performance evaluation process for all staff.
  • Ensures personnel receive appropriate training in animal husbandry, breeding colony management, procedures approved under UCAR protocols, and applicable UCAR and Animal Resources policies and procedures. Understand all aspects of the UCAR-approved protocol and assign responsibilities to students and staff accordingly. Ensure students and staff report all animal health and welfare concerns to supervisor and veterinary staff and UCAR, if warranted. Maintain approved UCAR protocols including original submissions, triannual renewals, and submission of modifications as needed. Works closely with UCAR and Animal Resources on compliance-related matters.
  • Ensure provision of husbandry to all animals under lab's care as per UCAR approved satellite husbandry management plan including weekend and holiday coverage. Ensure lab monitor all experimental mice (including aging mice) as per UCAR approved monitoring frequency. Coordinates proper husbandry practices for animal species such as naked mole rats, Damaraland mole rats and degu under laboratory care and collaborates with Animal Resources regarding special care needs.
  • Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, research technical staff, and post-doctorates on research animal procedures and practices. Supervise lab staff to execute projects as per UCAR approved protocols. Instruct students and professional staff in the proper method of record keeping (breeding and experimental animal census, laboratory notebooks, chemical inventory and hazardous waste disposal).
  • Responsible for designing animal studies as well as collection and analysis of animal tissues for use in assays. Communicate with other collaborators, internally and externally, to learn new technologies to establish in the laboratories.
  • Other projects and job duties as assigned.


MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Associate's degree and 7 years of experience in animal handling required
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 3 years demonstrated leadership experience required
  • Prior experience in a lab animal facility preferred


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Strong attention to detail, interpersonal, organization, demonstrated customer service skills, and communication skills (including written communication). required
  • Ability to lift repetitively up to 50 lbs and ability to work weekends and holidays when necessary. required
  • Knowledge of computer software packages. required
  • Knowledge of animal husbandry and knowledge of regulations related to animal husbandry. preferred


LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.


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