Entry Level Animal Science Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 11,000 who are shaping the future we envision. Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation and is continually named one of the Tampa Bay Times' Top Workplaces.

Summary

The Animal Research Technician provides professional husbandry and care to a variety of laboratory animals. This position performs husbandry and health/welfare checks for all species on campus.

Build Your Career While Advancing Cancer Research
At Moffitt Cancer Center, our mission is clear: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are committed to scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
We are expanding into the Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Institute at Speros, in Land O' Lakes, FL, a transformative new campus designed to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer research. As we grow, we are hiring across multiple technician levels, offering a clear career path in laboratory animal science.
Position Overview (All Levels)
Team members provide high-quality husbandry and care to laboratory animals while supporting critical cancer research. Responsibilities include animal care, health monitoring, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with veterinary and research teams.
Career Levels & Pay
🔹 Research Animal Care Technician Associate (Entry Level)
Starting Pay: $20.50/hour
Ideal for those beginning a career in laboratory animal science.
Highlights:
Learn foundational skills in animal husbandry and care
Perform basic health checks and cage maintenance
Support sanitation, cage wash, and facility operations
Gain exposure to research environments and procedures
Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED + 2 years of animal care experience
or a degree in Animal Science (or related field) with 1 year of experience
🔹 Research Animal Care Technician (Mid-Level)
Starting Pay: $21.50/hour
For experienced professionals with research animal care experience.
Highlights:
Independently perform husbandry and welfare monitoring
Support breeding, treatments, and research protocols
Ensure regulatory compliance and animal welfare standards
Collaborate with veterinary staff and investigators
Qualifications:
4 years of animal care experience, including 1 year in research animal care
🔹 Senior Research Animal Care Technician
Starting Pay: $23.50/hour
For advanced technicians with specialized and leadership capabilities.
Highlights:
Perform advanced procedures (e.g., injections, gavage, study support)
Lead breeding services and technical support activities
Assist with training and process improvements
Support SOP development and operational excellence
Typical Qualifications:
Associate's degree + 4 years experience (including 2 years research animal care)
or High School Diploma + 6 years experience (including 2 years research animal care).
Advanced technical skills; AALAS certification preferred
What You'll Do (All Levels)
Provide daily husbandry: feeding, watering, and cage sanitation
Monitor animal health and report concerns
Maintain accurate records and census data
Support research activities, including breeding and technical services (level-dependent)
Follow regulatory and safety protocols
Work collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment
Benefits & Perks
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we invest in our team members:
Competitive market-based salary
Eligible for an annual Team Member Incentive
Eligible for an annual Team Member Merit Increase
Tuition Assistance to support your career growth
Comprehensive, inclusive benefits package (Health, Financial & Lifestyle coverage)
Why Join Moffitt
Be part of a nationally recognized cancer center
Work in both established facilities and the new Speros Discovery campus
Clear career progression across technician levels
Opportunities for certification, training, and advancement
Inclusive, mission-driven culture guided by Compassion, Drive, Excellence, Imagination, and Inclusion
Relocate to Tampa, Florida
Make your move to a city that offers both opportunity and lifestyle:
Beautiful Gulf Coast beaches and year-round sunshine
No state income tax
Affordable cost of living compared to major metros
Thriving healthcare and biotech community
*Relocation assistance 💲 may be available to support your move.
Apply Today
Whether you're launching your career or advancing to the next level, join a team where your work directly contributes to life-saving cancer research.
Apply now to be considered at the level that best matches your experience.

Salary Range

Salary ranges posted for this position represent the expected base pay range for the role. Actual compensation may vary based on location and a variety of job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, and internal equity among Team Members in similar positions.

We are committed to maintaining fair and equitable pay practices and regularly review compensation to ensure alignment across our workforce.

Moffitt Career Site

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,then we have a place for you!

1. Equal Employment Opportunity

Moffitt Cancer Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. We seek candidates whose skills, and personal and professional experience, have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

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