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Human Lab Rat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Human Lab Rat information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do human lab rat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for human lab rat in California is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a human lab rat?

A Human Lab Rat job typically involves participating in clinical trials or medical studies as a test subject. Volunteers may be asked to take experimental medications, undergo medical procedures, or participate in psychological or behavioral studies. These roles help researchers gather data on the safety and effectiveness of new treatments. Compensation varies based on study length and complexity, and participants must meet eligibility requirements. Risks and benefits are explained before enrollment through an informed consent process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human lab rat?

To thrive as a Human Lab Rat (clinical trial participant), you need good physical health, attention to detail, and the ability to carefully follow study protocols, with basic literacy and in some cases specific health or age qualifications required. Participants may interact with monitoring devices, complete digital questionnaires, and adhere to medical or dietary regimens as directed by study staff. Reliability, patience, and clear communication are important soft skills, as is a willingness to report symptoms or changes consistently. These skills ensure both participant safety and the integrity of clinical research data, which are critical for successful trials.

What should I expect during the typical day as a human lab rat?

As a Human Lab Rat, or clinical trial participant, your daily activities will depend on the specific study, but often include scheduled health assessments, following research protocols such as taking medications or following special diets, and reporting your symptoms or experiences to research staff. You may need to stay at the testing facility for observation or visit periodically for check-ups and data collection. Research staff will guide you through each step, and you will typically be compensated for your time and efforts. Participation can require patience and flexibility, but it's also a chance to contribute to important medical advancements while working closely with a supportive team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Lab Rat jobs in California? The most popular types of Human Lab Rat jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Human Lab Rat job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,562 per year, or $20 per hour.

Sr Research Associate 2, In Vivo for Biology Research

Greenfield Source

Petaluma, CA

$97K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our WWRD engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with genetic diseases.

We are seeking a motivated Senior Research Associate 2 to join the Musculoskeletal Therapeutic Area at the company. The successful candidate will have a hands-on role in the development, characterization, and implementation of genetic models of muscular and skeletal disease and play a key part in driving our portfolio forward. The role includes in vivo experimentation (invention of novel models and methodology along with handling, dosing, collecting), data acquisition, data analysis and communication of experimental findings to internal teams. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record on in vivo models of muscular and/or skeletal disease and will support the development and execution of in vivo PK/PD/efficacy studies from research to early development and IND submission. The candidate will be required to work seamlessly within a matrixed environment that includes various biology functions, and across different research projects. This position is ideal for an organized and independent individual who wants to play an active role in musculoskeletal disease research and therapeutics’ development.

Responsibilities:

Organize and maintain mouse colonies - schedule should be flexible based on animal care needs (occasional weekend and holiday work will be required/split across team members)

Assist in the design of in vivo model systems/proof of concept studies that promote the translatability between animal models and human disease.

Perform in vivo lab experiments including but not limited to dosing (ip, iv, sc, po), PK/PD studies, husbandry, sample/tissue collections.

Recognize and adhere to IACUC standards of in vivo research.

Review and contribute to study synopses, protocols, study reports and regulatory documents.

Perform data recording and statistical analysis; Document all experimental procedures and data in electronic notebook.

Engage with project teams in a collaborative manner, and over time present results, analyses, conclusions, and implications to the team.

Share responsibility over lab maintenance duties.

Requirements:

SRA2: bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience or master’s degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience, musculoskeletal research background is highly desired.

Demonstrated ability in rodent handling (mouse, rat) and experience with PK/PD studies and different routes of administration: IP, IV, SC, PO

In vivo surgical experience is strongly preferred, experience with in vivo imaging is a plus.

Experience in managing contract research organizations is desirable.

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, desire to learn new techniques.

Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

PLEASE NOTE: Absent a Medical or Religious reason that prohibits vaccinations, all our incoming employees must be vaccinated for COVID-19.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.