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Animal Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Animal Care & Operations Manager

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Research / Scientific, Veterinary Medicine In support of Virginia Tech's growing research enterprise, the Animal Resources and Care Division (ARCD) is seeking an Animal Care & Operations Manager. The ...

Virginia Tech

Research Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Research Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536733 Work type: Research Faculty ... The individual will also assist with animal colony management, post-operative monitoring ...

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All JobsAnimal Researcher JobsAnimal Researcher Jobs in Virginia

Animal Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do animal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Are animal researchers in demand?

Animal researchers are in steady demand in academic, government, and private sectors focused on biomedical and environmental research. Employment opportunities often require relevant scientific degrees, laboratory skills, and familiarity with research protocols, with demand influenced by funding and research priorities.

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.

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 collection, analysis, and animal handling.

How much does an animal researcher make?

Animal researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the research environment, such as academic institutions, government agencies, or private industry, and may increase with specialized skills or advanced degrees.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Researcher jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Researcher job openings:

Animal Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Animal Research Technician

Culmen International LLC

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the Role
Culmen International, LLC is hiring an Animal Research Technician to assist the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA.
This position will support the Department Head of CID and is accountable for research related matters to the PIs of each research protocol. Provide support to the Department Head of CID and the PI of each protocol in accordance with written policies and procedures as set forth in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, NMCP and Bureau of Medicine & Surgery (BUMED) instructions
This position is onsite in Portsmouth, VA.
This is a talent pipeline requisition for future opportunities. Qualified candidates will be contacted when a position becomes available.
What You'll Do in Your New Role
  • Protocol Support (Research & Training): Provide guidance, training, technical expertise and assistance to PIs, research personnel, and veterinary staff, in the performance of duties and procedures necessary for the completion of basic and applied research protocols, including Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) studies.
  • Perform minor surgical procedures (e.g., placement of foley catheters, along with carotid and femoral catheters, flow probes, Swan-Gm1Z catheters, etc.);
  • Assist with major surgical procedures.
  • Collect, submit, analyze, preserve, and dispose of biologic specimens, to include euthanasia and necropsy of experimental animals.
  • Perform cleaning (to include surgical areas), disinfection, sterilization, and packing of surgical instruments.
  • Assist with administering the inventory and stock level of supplies and equipment.
  • Animal Care/Husbandry: Provide animal health care and husbandry in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory animals, vivarium standing operating procedures, and the Attending Veterinarian. Duties and procedures may include, but not be limited to: receipt, restraint and handling of laboratory animals; cleaning and sanitizing of animal cages and holding rooms; feeding, watering, weighing and transport of animals; performance of physical exams, clinical assessments, diagnostic procedures and treatments; recording of pertinent data in animal medical records; collection, submission, analysis, preservation and disposal of biologic specimens, to include euthanasia, surgical preparation; induction and maintenance of anesthesia, including endotracheal intubation and operation of gas anesthesia machines; operation of physiological monitoring equipment; collection and recording of anesthetic and experimental data and parameters; provide postoperative monitoring and recovery care, including pain and distress assessment and administration of analgesics and other medications, as prescribed and necropsy of experimental animals.
  • Attend regional, state, or national conferences, as required by the COR
  • Schedule: While duties are performed primarily during normal business hours Monday through Friday, rotating weekend hours and holidays, consisting of not more than one (1) weekend a month for a 3-hour period per day, may be needed for animal care/husbandry when animals are onsite. The ART will receive 2-4 weeks' notification of the need for weekend hours.
  • In the event of an emergency, and the command is closed to non-essential personnel, the contractor will report as necessary for animal welfare

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 3 Years of Experience
  • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

About the Company
Culmen International is committed to enhancing international safety and security, strengthening homeland defense, advancing humanitarian missions, and optimizing government operations. With experience in over 150 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.
  • Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, premiums for employees are 100% paid by Culmen, and dependent coverage is available at a nominal rate (including same or opposite sex domestic partners)
  • 401k - Vested immediately and 4% match
  • Life insurance and disability paid by the company
  • Supplemental Insurance Available
  • Opportunities for Training and Continuing Education
  • 12 Paid Holidays

To learn more about Culmen International, please visit www.culmen.com
At Culmen International, we are committed to creating and sustaining a workplace that upholds the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We believe in the importance of fair treatment and equal access to opportunities for all employees and applicants. Our commitment to these principles is unwavering across all our operations worldwide.

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