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Animal Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

AW Labor Solutions

Animal Scientist

Saranac, MI

$167K/yr

Animal Scientist Great opportunity for professionals with a bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences ... Research findings and observational data. * Compliance with company standards and regulatory ...

AW Labor Solutions

Animal Scientist

Saranac, MI

$167K/yr

Animal Scientist Great opportunity for professionals with a bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences ... Research findings and observational data. * Compliance with company standards and regulatory ...

BoehringerPRD

The Animal Care Technician LG4 will derive products from livestock, companion, and laboratory ... and R&D testing. Duties & Responsibilities Husbandry: * Handles, restrains, feeds, provides ...

Zoetis

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Kalamazoo, MI

$26 - $35/hr

This position is responsible for providing animal research technician support in a Pharmaceutical research environment at the Zoetis Kalamazoo and Richland site(s). Primary species of responsibility ...

Zoetis

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Kalamazoo, MI

$26 - $35/hr

This position is responsible for providing animal research technician support in a Pharmaceutical research environment at the Zoetis Kalamazoo and Richland site(s). Primary species of responsibility ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Researcher JobsAnimal Researcher Jobs in Michigan

Animal Researcher information

See Michigan salary details

$26.1K

$98.6K

$143.4K

How much do animal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal researcher in Michigan is $98,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $134,200.00 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Animal Researcher jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Animal Researcher job openings:

Animal Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Researcher job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,579 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Animal Research Technician (Temporary- Potential Permanent)

Mattawan, MI

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about Charles River Laboratories, Inc.external

$19/hr

Temporary

Medical, Life

Re-posted 28 days ago

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 Summary

Animal Research Technician

Temporary Opportunity with Potential for Permanent Employment

Mattawan, Michigan
$19/hour + Non CRL Benefits

Start Your Career in Science — No Experience Required

Are you looking for a meaningful career where your work contributes to scientific discovery and helps improve lives around the world?

Join Charles River as an Animal Research Technician and become part of a team committed to advancing research while ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare. Whether you're a recent graduate, changing careers, or looking for hands-on experience in life sciences, we provide comprehensive training and opportunities for long-term career growth.

What You'll Do

As an Animal Research Technician, you will play an important role in supporting research activities by:

  • Providing daily animal care and husbandry
  • Cleaning and transporting cages
  • Providing food and water to research animals
  • Monitoring animal health and reporting concerns
  • Administering substances as directed
  • Collecting and handling specimens and study data
  • Recording and maintaining accurate documentation
  • Supporting research activities while ensuring animal welfare standards are met 

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn new systems
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Commitment to animal welfare and workplace safety
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate's or bachelor’s degree in biology, Animal Science, or a related life sciences field
  • Previous animal care, veterinary, agricultural, or laboratory experience

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands-on role. Candidates must be able to:

  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs independently
  • Perform repetitive bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling
  • Work in environments that may be warm or humid

Training & Schedule

Training Period:

Week 1: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Week 2 onward: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Schedules Following Training:

Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday – Thursday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday – Saturday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Various weekday and weekend rotations may be available based on business needs. Flexibility for overtime, holidays, and occasional schedule adjustments is required.

Why Join Charles River?

  • Paid training and career development opportunities
  • No previous research experience required
  • Potential pathway to permanent employment
  • Work alongside scientists, veterinarians, and research professionals
  • Gain valuable experience in the life sciences industry
  • Help advance research that improves human and animal health worldwide
  • Supportive, team-oriented work environment

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're passionate about animal care, science, and continuous learning, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and begin your journey with Charles River—where every day contributes to discoveries that improve lives.

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 supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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.

Charles River logo

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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What Charles River Laboratories employees say

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