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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Lab Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$11

$22

$32

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $22.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.24 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 near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Sr Research Associate 2, In Vivo for Biology Research

Greenfield Source

Petaluma, CA

$97K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our WWRD engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with genetic diseases.

We are seeking a motivated Senior Research Associate 2 to join the Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area at the company. The successful candidate will have a hands-on role in the development, characterization, and implementation of genetic models of muscular and skeletal disease and play a key part in driving our portfolio forward. The role includes in vivo experimentation (invention of novel models and methodology along with handling, dosing, collecting), data acquisition, data analysis and communication of experimental findings to internal teams. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record on in vivo models of muscular and/or skeletal disease and will support the development and execution of in vivo PK/PD/efficacy studies from research to early development and IND submission. The candidate will be required to work seamlessly within a matrixed environment that includes various biology functions, and across different research projects. This position is ideal for an organized and independent individual who wants to play an active role in musculoskeletal disease research and therapeutics’ development.

Responsibilities:

Organize and maintain mouse colonies - schedule should be flexible based on animal care needs (occasional weekend and holiday work will be required/split across team members)

Assist in the design of in vivo model systems/proof of concept studies that promote the translatability between animal models and human disease.

Perform in vivo lab experiments including but not limited to dosing (ip, iv, sc, po), PK/PD studies, husbandry, sample/tissue collections.

Recognize and adhere to IACUC standards of in vivo research.

Review and contribute to study synopses, protocols, study reports and regulatory documents.

Perform data recording and statistical analysis; Document all experimental procedures and data in electronic notebook.

Engage with project teams in a collaborative manner, and over time present results, analyses, conclusions, and implications to the team.

Share responsibility over lab maintenance duties.

Requirements:

SRA2: bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience or master’s degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience, musculoskeletal research background is highly desired.

Demonstrated ability in rodent handling (mouse, rat) and experience with PK/PD studies and different routes of administration: IP, IV, SC, PO

In vivo surgical experience is strongly preferred, experience with in vivo imaging is a plus.

Experience in managing contract research organizations is desirable.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, desire to learn new techniques.

Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

PLEASE NOTE: Absent a Medical or Religious reason that prohibits vaccinations, all our incoming employees must be vaccinated for COVID-19.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.