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Senior Research Associate In Vivo

Pasadena, CA · On-site

... 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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How much do lab rats jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 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
Research Associate III - Lahiri Lab - Department of Neurology

Research Associate III - Lahiri Lab - Department of Neurology

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 1,004 rated hospitals

Job description


Principal Investigator, Shouri Lahiri, MD is seeking for a motivated Research Associate III to join his team!
The Research Associate III works closely with PI providing technical and/or administrative support in large or multi-project oriented labs. The incumbent may be requested by PI to take on specific supervisory activities, and provide administrative leadership, and/or technical expertise. The incumbent may develop hypothesis and assist in planning steps for the investigative process and will review and remain current on literature as it relates to clinical/research study. This position coordinates all lab and/or clinical activities, including but not limited to, budgetary/financial compliance, preparation of grant proposals, and creating independent presentations. This role is not responsible for generating grant funds.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides miscellaneous clinical/research support (ad hoc data analysis, hypothesis development, programming, troubleshooting, etc.).
  • Organizes clinical/research trials in conjunction with the Principal Investigator and sponsor and/or funding source.
  • Monitors and ensures compliance with safety standards and procedures.
  • Analyzes data and prepares scientific findings for publication as author or co-author.
  • May make independent presentations.
  • May provide system administration and maintenance for the local workstation network.
  • Leads and trains Research Lab Assistants, Research Fellow, lower level Research Associates, and other related support staff and may be requested by PI to take on specific supervisory activities.
  • Orients new Research Fellows and/or Research Scientists to day-to-day lab operations and procedures.

Department-Specific Responsibilities:
1. Animal Surgical Area: Ensure animal surgical surfaces and equipment are clean and organized. Ensure animal surgical area is compliant with all CSMC and Comparative Medicine policies and procedures.
2. Ensure pharmaceuticals are dispensed per protocol, appropriate supplies maintained, secured and disposed of according to established policies and procedures.
3. Performs intubation, mechanical ventilation, vascular catheterization and line placement for physiological monitoring in rats and mice.
4. Works collaboratively with biomedical imaging staff to obtain advanced cerebral and systemic physiological imaging.
5. Performs stereotaxic surgery technique, including cisternal infusions, on rats and mice.
6. Tail vein and retroorbital injection in mice, oral lavaging the rodents and mice; vaccination and survival studies an measure the permeability constant using quantitative auto radiography.
7. Cutting-edge histology/imaging techniques including quantitative bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy is required.
8. Performs routine biomedical experimental protocols including immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, and neuronal cell culture.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in a Science related field is required.
Experience:
  • Three to five (3-5) years of experience in area of research specialization.
  • Technical skills and expertise in an area of study including, but not limited to, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, engineering, or mass spectometry.
  • Experience in cutting-edge histology/imaging techniques including quantitative bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and electron microscopy is required.
  • Strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, PowerPoint) and analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with peers, patients, physicians, and other customers of the medical center.

Physical Demands:
Ability to handle small laboratory animals, sit and stand for long periods, use microscope and other laboratory equipment, and lift at least 20 pounds.
#LI-On-site
About Us
Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars- Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents.
About the Team
Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., with 886 licensed beds, 2,100 physicians, 2,800 nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals and staff. Choose this if you want to work in a fast-paced environment that offers the highest level of care to people in the Los Angeles that need our care the most.

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