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Lab Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accurately record and maintain study and animal health data Animal Care & Facility Support ... High school diploma + 3 years of lab animal experience OR * Associate degree/certification in ...

Accurately record and maintain study and animal health data Animal Care & Facility Support ... High school diploma + 3 years of lab animal experience OR * Associate degree/certification in ...

Our primary aim is to provide the best possible veterinary care, facilities and services in support ... ALAT - Assistant Lab Animal Tech American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within ...

Animal Care Support Technician I Position Title Lab Support Technician I Division: Consumer Products Services Entity: Consumer Products Services/ATL Location: Indianapolis, IN Reports to: Manager ...

$20 - $22/hr

Animal Care Support Technician I Position Title Lab Support Technician I Division: Consumer Products Services Entity: Consumer Products Services/ATL Location: Indianapolis, IN Reports to: Manager ...

Animal Care Specialist - Cares for, cleans, grooms, and feeds all domestic and exotic animals ... lab work to include blood and fecal testing and skinscraping. Pay $18.00 Hour 40 Hour Work Week ...

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Lab Animal Care information

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How much do lab animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab animal care in the United States is $23.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are lab animal care jobs?

Lab animal care jobs involve the daily care and maintenance of animals used in scientific research. Professionals in this field are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and ensuring the well-being of laboratory animals. They may also assist researchers by handling animals during experiments and keeping detailed records of observations and procedures. Attention to detail, compassion for animals, and knowledge of animal welfare regulations are important aspects of this job.

What is the difference between Lab Animal Care vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectLab Animal CareVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in animal careAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; licensure or certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, laboratories, animal housing areasVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, universitiesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in animal research and careProviding medical care to animals in clinical settings

Lab Animal Care professionals focus on maintaining the health and well-being of animals used in research within laboratory settings, often requiring basic animal care certifications. Veterinary Technicians provide medical treatment and assist veterinarians in clinical environments, requiring specialized veterinary training and licensure. While both roles involve animal care, their work environments, credentials, and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Animal Care Technician, and why are they important?

To excel as a Lab Animal Care Technician, you typically need knowledge of animal husbandry, basic biology, and animal welfare, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, cage-washing systems, and compliance standards such as IACUC protocols or AALAS certification is valuable. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and reliability are important soft skills for monitoring animal health and maintaining accurate records. These competencies ensure the well-being of research animals and uphold ethical standards critical for successful scientific studies.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Lab Animal Care?

Professionals in Lab Animal Care are responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning and sanitizing cages, monitoring animal health, and maintaining detailed records. They may also assist researchers during procedures, handle animal transportation within the facility, and help ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. The role often involves early morning shifts and requires strong attention to detail, as animal well-being and accurate documentation are essential priorities.
More about Lab Animal Care jobs
What cities are hiring for Lab Animal Care jobs? Cities with the most Lab Animal Care job openings:
What states have the most Lab Animal Care jobs? States with the most job openings for Lab Animal Care jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lab Animal Care job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,889 per year, or $23 per hour.
Veterinary Research/Health Technician 2

Veterinary Research/Health Technician 2

Oregon Health & Science University

Beaverton, OR

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Oregon National Primate Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.


The Veterinary Research/Health Technician 2 assists in providing clinical care and husbandry for a variety of laboratory research primates.  This is the second level of a three level series. It is distinguished from the lower level by increased responsibility for providing intermediate to complex animal care and support for specialized projects that require attention to detailed research criteria. At this level, there is less concentration on routine care. It is distinguished from the Lab Animal Technician series by the emphasis on research support and health care of animals.

Research Support Services

  • Performs technical skills and procedures in support of a variety of clinical and investigative needs including but not limited to coordinated dental prophylaxis.
  • Communicates and interacts with scientific staff to accomplish their needs.
  • Manages and coordinates large volume of tasks to meet research needs such as physical exams.

Animal Health Care

  • Evaluates new and ongoing clinical cases.
  • Provides basic to complex treatments within clinical guidelines or as determined by the Attending Veterinarian or their designee. Treatments include but are not limited to monitoring anesthesia, bandage application, and mastitis treatment.
  • Establishes treatment plans for routine cases like IV fluid therapy.
  • Determines which cases need immediate care, and which can be managed through routine practices. 
  • Prioritizes animal health assessment based on reported clinical condition (i.e. clinical daily observation sheets).

Animal Husbandry

  • Provides husbandry support for research animals.

General Maintenance

  • Cleans and sanitizes animal care areas and equipment and operates mechanical washing equipment.
  • Restock clinical supplies.
  • Maintains sterility of surgical supplies and instruments through proper storage and rotation. Cleans and disinfects minor surgical and clinical supplies.

Observation and Records 

  • Checks animals daily for signs of abnormal behavior, illness, or injury.
  • Records information necessary to support the research protocols and animal health.
  • Reports animal health issues or observed findings per standard animal health notification processes.
  • Records completion of daily required area-level care activities for work performed.

Miscellaneous

  • Drive vehicles around the campus.
  • Assists in loading and unloading animals.
  • Animal capture and care.
  • Unloading and storing feed.
  • Assists in training both new and incumbent department employees and others.
  • Other duties as assigned.

  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Two years of experience caring for animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Assistant Lab Animal Technician level (ALAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment. OR

  • One year of experience caring for animals in a research setting and certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Lab Animal Technician level (LAT) or ability to obtain certification following 12 months of employment. OR
  • An equivalent combination of training, certification, and experience.

  • Valid Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Professional and service-oriented attitude.
  • Interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Ability to consistently interact with research investigative staff, supervisors and co-workers in a positive and constructive manner.
  • Ability to use proper techniques to perform standard clinical procedures.
  • Dexterity and manual skills. 
  • Ability to use the computer keyboard to type.
  • Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff.

  • Bachelor's degree in related field.

  • Three years of experience in the healthcare of research animals.
  • Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Lab Animal Technician level (LAT).

  • Experience as a veterinary technician or assistant.

  • Experience with handling and administering medications through various routes.
  • Pharmaceutical drug and controlled drug knowledge.
  • Knowledge of standardized medical terminology and nomenclature.
  • Knowledgeable in clinical inventory, supplies, and equipment.
  • Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT).

Training schedule is typically 7:30-4:00pm, Monday-Friday. Regular schedule will be evening shift 12:30pm - 9pm. Regular work schedule is 4 weekdays and one weekend shift. 

Weekly work schedules established by DCM managerial staff, including voluntary and involuntary weekend and holiday work schedules. Ability to work overtime as needed.

Working Conditions

  • Requires the ability to move unassisted through various animal housing areas located in several separate buildings, indoor and outdoor, (including covered areas that are not environmentally controlled), in order to make animal observations, perform animal care tasks, handle, move, or restrain animals, collect samples, administer treatments, and perform other procedures.

  • Includes: moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors between rows of cages, and climbing stairs to corral observation platforms; ability to work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids; and ability to work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals. 

  • Schedule may include working inside an ABSL 3 facility.

Physical Demands

  • Requires:ability to drive DCM vehicles on and off campus as required.
  • Ability to walk and stand for continuous hours a day.
  • Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 23 kg (50lbs).
  • Ability to lift objects weighing approximately 19 kg (42lbs) to approximately shoulder height.
  • Ability to push and pull heavy wheeled equipment such as cage racks and loaded carts.
  • Ability to learn and use computerized medical programs to perform data input and communication.

Benefits

  • Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
  • Vacation - up to 200 hours per year dependent on length of service.
  • Sick Leave - up to 96 hours per year.
  • 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Childcare service discounts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee discounts to local and national businesses.

We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887