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Animal Welfare Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Animal Welfare, Project Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

... health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M - Fort Worth and the Texas A&M - RELLIS ... The Animal Welfare, Project Manager is responsible for managing and directing projects and programs ...

Socket.dev

SVP Chief Mission Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Reporting to the President & CEO, the SVP, CMO leads mission-critical programs that integrate animal welfare, conservation science, operational excellence, and strategic relevance to advance the ...

National Aquarium

SVP Chief Mission Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Reporting to the President & CEO, the SVP, CMO leads mission-critical programs that integrate animal welfare, conservation science, operational excellence, and strategic relevance to advance the ...

AstrixTechnology LLC

Be Seen First

Animal Care Technician

Athens, GA · On-site

$20/hr

... scientific procedures in accordance with experimental protocols, applicable regulations, and company policies. This position supports animal welfare, research activities, documentation, equipment ...

New

Astrix Inc

Animal Care Technician

Athens, GA · On-site

$20/hr

... scientific procedures in accordance with experimental protocols, applicable regulations, and company policies. This position supports animal welfare, research activities, documentation, equipment ...

New

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All JobsAnimal Welfare Scientist Jobs

Animal Welfare Scientist information

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$68K

$174.5K

How much do animal welfare scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal welfare scientist in the United States is $171,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal welfare scientist?

Animal welfare scientists are professionals who study the well-being of animals, typically focusing on how animals are affected by various environments, practices, and policies. They use scientific methods to assess animal health, behavior, and psychological states to improve living conditions for animals in agriculture, laboratories, zoos, and other settings. These scientists often work to develop and promote standards and regulations that ensure humane treatment of animals. Their research helps inform public policy, animal care protocols, and industry guidelines.

What are some common challenges animal welfare scientists face when conducting research in agricultural settings?

Animal Welfare Scientists working in agricultural environments often encounter challenges such as balancing scientific rigor with the practical constraints of working on farms, gaining access to facilities, and ensuring minimal disruption to animals and farm operations. Additionally, they must navigate varying stakeholder interests, including farmers, industry bodies, and regulatory agencies, which can require strong communication and negotiation skills. Ensuring that their findings are both scientifically valid and practically applicable is key to making a meaningful impact on animal welfare standards.

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

To thrive as an Animal Welfare Scientist, you need a strong background in animal science, biology, or veterinary science, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory techniques, and regulatory frameworks such as animal welfare legislation is typically required. Excellent observational skills, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for successful research and stakeholder engagement. These competencies ensure high-quality research, ethical treatment of animals, and meaningful contributions to animal welfare policy and practice.

What is the difference between Animal Welfare Scientist vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectAnimal Welfare ScientistAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in animal science, biology, or related field; advanced degrees preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or policy organizationsAnimal shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, government agencies, NGOsAnimal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles and scientific focusHands-on animal care and daily responsibilities

Animal Welfare Scientists focus on research, policy, and scientific studies to improve animal well-being, often working in labs or academic settings. Animal Care Specialists provide direct care to animals in shelters or clinics, focusing on daily animal management. Both roles are vital but differ in their focus, environment, and required credentials.

Do animal welfare scientists make good money?

Animal welfare scientists typically earn a median salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as data analysis or research, can offer higher compensation. Salaries may also increase with additional certifications or leadership responsibilities.

How much do animal welfare scientists make?

Animal welfare scientists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in research or policy may offer higher compensation, and many positions require a background in biology, veterinary science, or related fields.
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Animal Welfare Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,401 per year, or $82.4 per hour.

Animal Welfare Research Internship - Summer 2025

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI

$15/hr

Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Animal Welfare Research Internship - Summer 2025 The Detroit Zoological Society's Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics (CZAAWE) is accepting applications for an animal welfare research intern. This paid internship is funded through the Ron Kagan Endowment for Animal Welfare, which honors the former Executive Director/CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society who founded CZAAWE to advance zoo animal welfare science and policy. The aims of CZAAWE include assessing and improving the welfare of animals living in the care of humans, creating innovative behavioral husbandry programs, sharing best practices, and conducting research in two key areas: developing and validating novel tools for measuring animal welfare and examining the effects of management practices on welfare.
The CZAAWE animal welfare research internship is a paid internship opportunity. Interns are expected to commit to 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday) for 12 weeks between May 15 and September 15, totaling 480 hours of work. The start date can be flexible within the parameters listed above. The intern will be paid at a rate of $15/hour. For interns residing outside of Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, or Wayne counties (i.e., the Detroit Metro area), onsite housing may be available at no additional cost to the applicant.
The animal welfare research intern will focus on the processes used by researchers in the field of animal welfare through active participation in ongoing studies including data collection, basic laboratory work, database management, data analysis, and the generation of reports. Although this internship focuses on research, CZAAWE encompasses many areas of animal welfare science such as husbandry, positive reinforcement training, welfare assessment, enrichment, and significant life event monitoring. Research interns will receive education in all areas of animal welfare science for a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Animal welfare research interns will be supervised by the Manager of Applied Animal Welfare Science and will have the opportunity for mentorship from various departmental staff including the Animal Welfare Programs Manager and the Senior Director of Animal Welfare and Research.
Responsibilities:
  • Utilize observational research techniques with a variety of animal species for ongoing research and monitoring on zoo animal welfare.
  • Assist with data entry for research and monitoring projects.
  • Assist with literature searches and generation of reports.
  • Support the CZAAWE Research Assistant in training volunteers on current projects and protocols.
  • Gain experience processing biological samples through the on-site endocrinology lab.
  • Conduct basic descriptive analyses of complete datasets.
Requirements:
  • Applicants should have a background in zoology, biology, animal science, psychology, anthropology, or animal behavior. Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated experience with research in lab, field or captive settings.
  • Applicants should be in the process of completing or have completed an undergraduate degree within the last two years and should not be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree program.
  • Coursework in research methods, biology, animal behavior, statistics or related fields
  • GPA of 3.2/4.0 or higher
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Self-motivated and strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products and good organizational skills
  • Timeliness, initiative, and ability to adhere to a schedule
  • Minimum commitment of 40 hours per week for 12 weeks totaling 480 hours of work
  • Proof of a negative TB test on or before start date

To apply:
Please be sure to complete the online DZS application found at https://detroitzoo.org/careers/.
In addition to the online DZS application, you will need to submit a resume; a cover letter outlining your interest in the program, how it will contribute to your career goals, and the unique skills you would bring to this program; a copy of your transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable); and two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation may come from academic sources (advisors or professors), professional sources (current or previous employers), or community sources (religious leaders or community members). The supplemental materials should be submitted via email. Recommendation letters may be submitted by the applicant or emailed directly to us from the recommenders. Only complete application submissions will be considered, and CZAAWE staff are not responsible for ensuring applicants submit all materials. Offers of positions are contingent upon the applicant passing a background check. If you would need to take advantage of onsite housing, please indicate this somewhere in your application materials. This will not be used as a factor to evaluate candidates or their eligibility for the internship.
Please email supplementary application materials to czaw@dzs.org with “CZAAWE Internship” in the subject line.
All application materials are due by 5:00 pm EST on January 17, 2025. All applicants will be informed of a decision no later than April 4, 2025.

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