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Lab Rat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Research Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Maintains rat/mouse colonies; administer chemical and patch treatment; monitor treatment responses ... Meetings * Participates in lab meeting within the center and other departments. Participates in ...

University of Arizona

Research Professional II

Tucson, AZ

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

* Coordinate lab activities and ensure chemical safety compliance, maintaining chemical inventories ... Experience with mouse and/or rat husbandry * Experience mentoring and/or training undergraduate ...

Texas A&M University

Research Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Maintains rat/mouse colonies; administer chemical and patch treatment; monitor treatment responses ... Meetings * Participates in lab meeting within the center and other departments. Participates in ...

University of New Mexico

HS Research Tech 2

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... lab focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of drug and alcohol use/exposure. Techniques to be ... Performing histological sectioning and immunofluorescence histochemistry on rat brain tissue.

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How much do lab rat jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab rat in the United States is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in biology or chemistry, attention to detail, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data management systems is essential, and certifications such as ASCP can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help technicians excel in fast-paced lab environments. These skills ensure accurate experiments, compliance with safety standards, and reliable support for scientific research.

How much do lab rats get paid?

Lab rats, or laboratory animal caretakers and researchers, typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Compensation may include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and the job often requires knowledge of animal handling and research protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by individuals working as laboratory animal technicians (often referred to as 'lab rats')?

Laboratory animal technicians often encounter challenges related to strict adherence to protocols and maintaining animal welfare standards. The role can involve repetitive tasks, exposure to allergens or chemicals, and emotional stress due to close work with animals used in research. Effective communication and collaboration with researchers, veterinarians, and other technicians are essential for ensuring accurate data collection and animal care. Staying current with training and regulations is also important for career growth and compliance.

What is the difference between Lab Rat vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab RatLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsNo formal credentials typically required; used in research settingsOften requires a degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, animal facilitiesClinical, research, or industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesHospitals, research labs, pharmaceutical companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding animal research rolesLaboratory work roles in scientific settings

Lab Rats are animals used in research, often in controlled environments, with minimal credentials needed. Laboratory Technicians are human professionals with relevant certifications, working in various lab settings. While both are involved in research, Lab Rats are subjects, whereas Laboratory Technicians are staff conducting experiments and analyses.

What are lab rats?

Lab rats are rodents, typically of the species Rattus norvegicus, that are bred and used in scientific research to study biology, disease, and the effects of treatments. They serve as model organisms because their biological systems are similar to humans in many ways, making them valuable for experiments in medicine, genetics, psychology, and other fields. Lab rats help scientists gain insights that can lead to medical advances and a better understanding of various biological processes.
More about Lab Rat jobs
What cities are hiring for Lab Rat jobs? Cities with the most Lab Rat job openings:
What job categories do people searching Lab Rat jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Rat jobs are:
Lab Rat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Rat job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 42% Part Time, and 55% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,864 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Toney Lab

Tamus

Bryan, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Toney Lab

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Medical Physiology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents& livedexperiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens ourcorevalueswhich are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Whowe are

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation,Texas A&M Healthencompasses five colleges andnumerouscenters and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovativeresearchand team-based health care delivery.

What we want

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of laboratory worksites. May collaborate with other researchers and/or faculty.

What you need to know

Salary:Will becommensuratebased on the selected hire's education and experience.

Location: Bryan, TX; May travel as required

Schedule: Full-Time; May have to work on the weekend and/or after normal hours.

Please note:This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Apply!Submitting a cover letter, resume/CV toassistus with the review process. You may upload these documents to the application under CV/Resume.

Required Education and Experience

  • Appropriate PhD, MD, or DVM in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in one or more of the following

    • (i) whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics in brain slices

    • (ii) in vivo single neuron recording to include surgical isolation of peripheral nerve signals from postganglionic sympathetic fibers and/or phrenic fibers,

    • (iii) live cell imaging of genetically encoded reporters (calcium, chloride, potassium, voltage, etc.) with photo-uncaging drug delivery.

  • Ability to exhibit ambition and urgency in achieving near- and long-term career success, especially in pursuit of high-quality publications and extramural fellowship training support.

  • Ability to exhibit continuous intellectual ownership of the assigned research project.

Responsibilities

Research

  • Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.

  • Utilizes knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete research projects in their field of expertise.

  • Assists with the preparation and cleaning of the worksite.

  • Analyzes research data and summarizes results.

  • Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.

Lab Specific Duties

  • Perform mouse and/or rat experiments utilizing ex vivo and/or in vivo electrophysiological methods appropriate to the project objectives and based on the prevailing and evolving hypothesis.

  • Integrate optogenetic and/or chemogenetic (DREADDs) methodologies that complement and extend evidence generated in electrophysiological experiments.

  • Perform site-specific stereotaxic surgery to deliver drugs, neuronal tracers and/or viral vectors to manipulate functional brain circuits.

  • Expose rats and/or mice to chronic intermittent hypoxic hypercapnia to model sleep apnea.

  • Perform experiments investigating mechanisms to treat respiratory depression by fentanyl and/or other prescribed or abused opiates.

  • Ensure that laboratory data records, tissue samples and experimental reagents are carefully maintained and that all applicable institutional data security and laboratory safety protocols are followed.


Mentoring

  • May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.

Presentations

  • Prepares presentation materials on research topics that may be presented to small and/or large groups.

  • Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events,state-of-the-artrecreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.Experience all that a big city has to offer but witha reasonablecost-of-living and no long commutes.

  • Medical,prescription drug,dental,vision,life and AD&D,flexible spending accounts,and long-term disability insurancewith Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

  • 12-15 daysof annual paid holidays

  • Up toeight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month

  • Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas

  • Health and Wellness:Free exercise programs and release time

  • Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

  • Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

  • Living Well,a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Instructions to Applicants:Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Apply