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Lab Rats Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Rats information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

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 cities in California are hiring for Lab Rats jobs? Cities in California with the most Lab Rats job openings:
Associate Scientist, In vivo Pharmacology, Inflammation

Associate Scientist, In vivo Pharmacology, Inflammation

Amgen

South San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Career CategoryScientificJob DescriptionJoin Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Associate Scientist, In vivo Pharmacology, InflammationWhat you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will work in a highly dynamic in vivo pharmacology team executing in vivo preclinical disease models and in vitro assays in the vivarium and lab supporting pipeline programs.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform hands-on in vivo work primarily mice, possibly rats in the vivarium daily.
  • Provide technical support for studies, dosing, sample/tissue collection, health checks, study setup and take down.
  • Work side-by-side with Scientists/Senior Scientists to execute and help design experiments.
  • Run concurrent studies, stay organized and detail-oriented to meet study timelines
  • Participate in weekend/evening dosing rotations as needed
  • Support in vitro assays as required
  • Communicate results to immediate team and follow established protocols and safety procedures
  • Work in a flexible team-oriented environment. Weekend and evening work may be required.
What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Associate Scientist we seek is a driven, pro-active, independent, and enthusiastic scientist who wants to contribute to cutting edge science and serve patients in a highly productive team environment with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Master's degree and 1 year of Immunology or related experience

OR

Bachelor's degree and 3 years of Immunology or related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • M.S. degree in Immunology or related disciplines, or B.S. degree with commensurate scientific / drug discovery experience and track record of scientific excellence and productivity.
  • Strong understanding of Immunology and Inflammation biology and principles.
  • Willingness and curiosity to learn and explore new areas of research.
  • Significant experience designing and executing concurrent in vivo preclinical inflammation and autoimmune disease models. Experience with colitis (DSS, CD45RBhi T cell transfer, IL-10 KO), lupus (NZB/W, MRL-lpr, Imiquimod), and arthritis (CIA, CAIA), GvHD models preferred. Experience in Asthma, COPD, HS, PBC a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with in vivo techniques including dosing route of administration (i.v., i.p., p.o., i.n., i.t., r.o., i.d., s.c.), bleeds (r.o., cheek, tail), necropsy (organ collection (intestine/colon, lung, lymphnodes, spleen, liver, kidney, skin), cardiac bleed, lung BAL collection).
  • Hands-on experience in cellular, biochemical, histological, and molecular biology assay techniques (i.e. ELISA, MSD, quantitative RT-PCR, BCA protein measurements) preferred. Hands-on experience with multicolor flow cytometry including Spectral flow approaches and Immune cell populations is essential.
  • Computer literacy, especially proficiency with GraphPad Prism, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
  • Attention to detail, excellent organizational and communication skills, accurate & timely record keeping and data analysis are essential.
  • Demonstrated track record of independent critical thinking and scientific achievement.
  • Demonstrated experience in pharmacology and in vivo models of inflammation/Immunology.
What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.careers.amgen.com

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Salary Range

108,862.00 USD - 124,469.00 USD