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Animal Researcher Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

FEFA LLC

Animal Facility Specialist I

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$29 - $31/hr

This is a general summary of the responsibilities associated with the position of an Animal Facility Specialist I in support of the NIH, Laboratory Animal Research Contract (LARC 15). This ...

FEFA LLC

Animal Facility Specialist I

Bethesda, MD

$29 - $31/hr

Description This is a general summary of the responsibilities associated with the position of an Animal Facility Specialist I in support of the NIH, Laboratory Animal Research Contract (LARC 15)

Bioqual Inc

Animal Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

The Animal Technician I provides a variety of technical, housekeeping, and record keeping tasks ... Knowledge of the biology and physical characteristics of animals used in research and the ability ...

New

Bioqual Inc

Animal Caretaker

Rockville, MD · On-site

Feed and water animals according to schedule set down according to animal species and/or research protocol * Clean and sanitize cages, water bottles, racks, and animal rooms * Understand and operate ...

Bioqual Inc

Animal Caretaker

Rockville, MD · On-site

$19.85 - $23/hr

Feed and water animals according to schedule set down according to animal species and/or research protocol * Clean and sanitize cages, water bottles, racks, and animal rooms * Understand and operate ...

FEFA

Animal Facility Specialist I

Bethesda, MD

$29 - $31/hr

This is a general summary of the responsibilities associated with the position of an Animal Facility Specialist I in support of the NIH, Laboratory Animal Research Contract (LARC 15). This ...

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All JobsAnimal Researcher JobsAnimal Researcher Jobs in Washington

Animal Researcher information

See Washington salary details

$34K

$128.1K

$186.3K

How much do animal researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal researcher in Washington is $128,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $174,400.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Animal Researcher jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Animal Researcher job openings:

Animal Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Researcher job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,099 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Program Director, Animal Research and Testing

Washington, DC • Hybrid

humaneworld
See more jobs at humaneworldexternal

$79K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

The general salary range for this full-time position is $79,600 – 119,400. Salary offers will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, skills, training and education.

Humane World for Animals, a global leader in animal advocacy and protection, is seeking a Program Director, Animal Research & Testing for the Animal Research Issues department. In this position you will develop and execute programs and campaign strategies to end animal testing and research and advance non-animal approaches in the US to meet organization goals and priorities. This includes supporting and advancing policy changes to end animal experimentation and replace animal use with non-animal approaches.

Responsibilities:

• Leads federal policy efforts to end animal research and testing and advance non-animal approaches in collaboration with Humane World Action Fund and other departments to advance and respond to federal legislative and regulatory efforts related to animal research and testing;
• Oversees implementation of the strategic program plan related to the federal policy efforts to end animal research and testing and advance non-animal approaches and other efforts as assigned. Sets and helps carry out department goals;
• Responsible for collaboration on budgeting, communications, and creative strategies to advance federal policy related to ending animal research and testing and achieve the goals of the department while working closely, and aligning with, Humane World Action Fund, teams advancing state legislative efforts in the US, as well as the global team;
• Identifies and drives program areas of focus at the federal level and advises the Animal Research Issues Directors of Policy and Science and Vice President on these and other animal research and testing priorities;
• Develops relationships to expand partnerships with government agencies with the Action Fund, corporations, developers and other stakeholders; represents the Animal Research Issues department and organization in interactions with external entities through meetings, presentations, and conference attendance as it relates to animal research and testing federal program policy; remains current in the subject area of U.S. and international animal research and testing and connections to the industry;
• Oversees consultants, interns and volunteers as needed;
• Performs other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as science, public policy, or equivalent work experience required. Law degree or Master’s degree in public policy field preferred;
• A minimum of nine (9) years of relevant animal research and testing advocacy work, science or related experience required;
• Strong research and organizational skills;
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific information and government data to make the case for ending animal research and testing and advancing non-animal approaches;
• Working knowledge in federal regulatory and legislative processes;
• Leadership ability in work setting. Flexible, willing to learn, and anticipates the needs of self and other staff;
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Knowledge of business operations, including effective budget development;
• Ability to multitask and to be flexible with workload and assignments;
• Attention to detail and commitment to excellence, demonstrated by the delivery of quality and timely outcomes;
• Willing and able to travel;
• Strong interest in animal protection issues preferred.

This is a hybrid US position in the DC Metro Area.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status.  EOE

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