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Lab Rats Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UC San Diego Health

$27.54 - $33.13/hr

Under supervision, the incumbent will work as a Laboratory Assistant II assisting with conducting routine laboratory tests and experiments on rats and mice under the supervision of lab staff within ...

UC San Diego Health

$27.54 - $33.13/hr

... rats euthanasia, ear tag and tail number, keep journals and publication files up to date, and assist in maintaining lab cleanliness. Assist with processing tissue for image analysis to support ...

CEDENT

Senior Research Associate In Vivo

Pasadena, CA

... lab members, promoting a positive and collaborative research environment. Desired Skills and Experience: * Minimum 6+ years of hands-on experience conducting in vivo research with mice or rats. * B.S ...

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Lab Rats information

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How much do lab rats jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab rats in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Rats vs Laboratory Technicians?

AspectLab RatsLaboratory Technicians
CredentialsTypically no formal credentials requiredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, experimental settingsClinical, medical, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech startupsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for experimental rolesCompared for technical, diagnostic work

Lab Rats are typically used in experimental or research settings with minimal formal credentials, while Laboratory Technicians usually hold formal education and work in clinical or diagnostic labs. Both roles operate within laboratory environments but serve different functions and require different qualifications.

What are Lab Rats?

In the context of employment, 'Lab Rats' typically refers to individuals who work or volunteer in laboratories, often assisting with experiments, research, or testing. They may be students, technicians, or junior researchers gaining hands-on experience with scientific procedures and equipment. Sometimes, 'lab rat' is also used informally to describe someone who spends a great deal of time in a laboratory environment. Their responsibilities can range from preparing samples to recording data and maintaining lab equipment. This role is essential for supporting scientific discoveries and ensuring experiments are conducted accurately and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by laboratory technicians in a research environment?

Laboratory technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines, managing multiple experiments simultaneously, and adapting quickly to new protocols or technologies. Working in a research environment also requires strict adherence to safety and quality control standards, which can be demanding. Effective communication with researchers and team members is essential to ensure smooth workflow and reliable results.

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 understanding of laboratory procedures, scientific principles, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and adherence to regulatory standards such as GLP is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, maintain safety, and support productive collaboration within scientific teams.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Rats jobs in California? For Lab Rats jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Rats jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Rats jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lab Rats jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Rats job openings:
Lab Rats jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Rats job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Behavioral Laboratory Assistant II - Psychiatry - 140466

UC San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$27.54 - $33.13/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 07/27/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

UCSD Department of Psychiatry is one of the most innovative and productive academic departments in the country, offering challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of advanced educational programs, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under supervision, the incumbent will work as a Laboratory Assistant II assisting with conducting routine laboratory tests and experiments on rats and mice under the supervision of lab staff within the Department of Psychiatry. The incumbent will assist with preparing lab equipment and materials before experiments, disposing hazardous materials and waste properly, assist with basic data analyses and interpretation of experimental results, and collaborate with other lab members and participate in lab meetings and discussions. Keep journals and publication files up to date, assist in maintaining lab cleanliness, and assist with other project and miscellaneous tasks as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

  • Demonstrated experience handling mice.

  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

  • Surgical knowledge of procedures for IV and IC in rats and mice.

  • Demonstrated organizational and record-keeping skills.

  • Demonstrated experience with filing, alphabetizing and clerical tasks.

  • General laboratory experience.

  • Ability to run updates and install a variety of different software platforms with minimal supervision (Systat, Sigmaplot, SPSS, End Note, BMDP, Adobe, Mozilla, etc.).

  • Proficiency in MS Office.

  • Proven ability to work under own initiative as well as to work meticulously under close direction.

  • Ability to resolve computer equipment malfunctions.

  • Good communication skills.

  • Proven ability to maintain lab equipment by performing the following tasks: set-up, operation, test, calibrate, and clean used equipment, including walk-in incubator, environment chambers, colony counters, microscopes, micro centrifuges, hi-speed centrifugation, ultra-centrifugation, gyratory water baths, scintillation counters, autoclaves, spectrophotometer, and audio-visual equipment.

  • Experience in assisting with caring for rat colonies through animal husbandry to support all laboratory research.

  • Familiarity with behavioral models of drug self-administration, behavioral assays (EPM, open field, von frey).

  • Ability to assist with reagent preparation, autoclaving, ordering lab supplies.

  • Proven ability to assist in the proper disposal of hazardous materials and waste.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

  • Must be willing to handle rats and mice.

  • Must be willing to euthanize rats and mice.

  • Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $57,504 - $69,175 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $27.54 - $33.13

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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