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Animal Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Researcher information

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$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do animal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal researcher do?

An Animal Researcher studies animals to understand their behavior, physiology, genetics, or diseases. They often work in laboratories, universities, or in the field, conducting experiments and observations on animals. Their research can contribute to advancements in medicine, environmental conservation, and understanding animal welfare. Animal Researchers may also be involved in developing new treatments for animal or human diseases, ensuring ethical standards are maintained, and publishing their findings in scientific journals.

What are some common challenges an animal researcher faces in their daily work?

Animal Researchers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict ethical standards, adhering to regulatory guidelines, and ensuring animal welfare throughout experiments. Balancing scientific objectives with humane treatment requires careful planning and regular documentation. Additionally, researchers must stay up-to-date with evolving protocols, collaborate closely with veterinarians and fellow scientists, and manage the emotional aspects of working with animals in a research setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Researcher, you need a strong background in biology, animal science, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree and experience with laboratory research. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), statistical analysis software, and proper animal handling certifications (such as IACUC training) is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing experiments, ensuring animal welfare, and presenting findings. These skills and qualifications are essential for conducting ethical, accurate research that advances scientific understanding and complies with regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Animal Researcher vs Animal Technician?

AspectAnimal ResearcherAnimal Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology, animal science, or related field; research experience often preferredHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, universitiesAnimal care facilities, laboratories, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, universitiesVeterinary clinics, research labs, animal shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, career paths in animal researchAnimal care, laboratory support roles

Animal Researchers focus on designing and conducting experiments involving animals, often requiring advanced degrees and research experience. Animal Technicians primarily provide daily care and support for laboratory animals, typically with less formal education. Both roles are essential in animal research settings but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

How do you become an animal researcher?

To become an animal researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, research assistant roles, or volunteering in laboratories or wildlife settings is also important, along with developing skills in data analysis and animal handling.

How much money do animal researchers make?

Animal researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and working in private industry or research institutions.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Researcher jobs in California?

For Animal Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Researcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animal Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animal Researcher job openings:

Animal Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Animal Research Training and Compliance Specialist (Hybrid)

City of Hope

Duarte, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. Our dedicated and compassionate employees are driven by a common mission: To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.

Under the supervision of the Post-Approval Monitoring and Animal Training Program Manager, this position coordinates, conducts, and facilitates training for animal research personnel and supports the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) Program. The role ensures animal research, teaching and testing is performed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, City of Hope IACUC policies, and AAALAC accreditation standards. This position requires frequent collaboration with Principal Investigators, laboratory personnel, Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) staff, and IACUC members to promote regulatory adherence and best practices in animal research.

As a successful candidate, you will:

·       Deliver hands-on training for animal research personnel, including onboarding, procedural instruction, and refresher courses that promote safe, compliant practices.

·       Develop and continuously improve training content and resources to align with evolving regulations, institutional priorities, and best practices.

·       Conduct Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) through protocol review, staff engagement, and procedure observation, and partner with investigators to implement corrective actions.

·       Support compliance oversight by identifying and escalating noncompliance or animal welfare concerns and contributing to investigations and regulatory reporting.

·       Serve as a liaison between the IACUC and research teams by communicating policies, reporting findings, and facilitating collaboration.

·       Support IACUC operations through protocol review, training compliance verification, and participation in inspections and reporting activities.

·       Maintain training systems, records, and online resources to support effective training delivery and compliance.

Your qualifications should include:

·       Bachelor’s degree in a science or education related field; 3 additional years of experience plus the minimum experience requirement may substitute for minimum education.

·       Three (3) to five (5) years of applicable experience in a laboratory animal research setting, knowledge of animal research procedures and techniques used in a research setting.

Preferred qualifications:

·       AALAS Learning Library, CITI

·       AALAS certified at Laboratory Animal Technologist level

·       Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT)

·       AALAS Certified Manager of Animal Resources

·       Seven (7) + years of applicable experience in a laboratory animal research setting, knowledge of animal research procedures and techniques used in a research setting.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.

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About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913

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