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Animal Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician (ACE)

Blacksburg, VA

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care Technician (ACE) Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537470 Work type: Staff ... A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research ...

Vivarium Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Advertising Summary The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do animal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 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 Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Researcher jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Associate
Job no: 536733
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Fralin Biomedical Res. Institute
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
Job Description
The Mishra Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, VA, is seeking a highly skilled Research Associate to support AHA-funded research programs focused on heart failure, cardiac remodeling, and cardiometabolic disease and perform Small-Animal Cardiovascular Surgery.
The primary responsibility of this position is the performance of mouse cardiovascular surgeries, including transverse aortic constriction (TAC), myocardial infarction (MI), ischemia-reperfusion injury, and related surgical models of cardiovascular disease. The individual will also assist with animal colony management, post-operative monitoring, echocardiography, physiological phenotyping, tissue collection, and general laboratory operations. The successful candidate should have exceptional technical expertise in rodent cardiovascular surgery, maintain detailed records, and be committed to high standards of animal welfare and scientific rigor.
Required Qualifications
• Master's in Veterinary Sciences, Physiology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, or equivalent related experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in mouse cardiovascular surgery, including TAC, MI, and related cardiac injury models.
• Experience with perioperative care, animal monitoring, anesthesia, analgesia, and survival surgery techniques.
• Experience with mouse handling, colony management, tissue harvesting, and animal research protocols.
• Ability to maintain detailed surgical and experimental records.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend and stoop for long periods of time.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with pressure-volume loop analysis, telemetry, or other in vivo cardiovascular measurements.
• Experience working in cardiovascular, heart failure, or translational research laboratories.
• Veterinary training or certification in laboratory animal science is highly desirable.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
55k-60k
Hours per week
40+
Review Date
7/6/26
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: June 23, 2026
Applications close:
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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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