POSITION SPECIFICS The Grigson lab at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is ... Previous work with rats and basic surgical experience is strongly recommended. We aim to build a ...
POSITION SPECIFICS The Grigson lab at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is ... Previous work with rats and basic surgical experience is strongly recommended. We aim to build a ...
Jim Wilson's legendary vector biology lab, this organization brings decades of excellence in vector ... The current vivarium is roughly 75,000 sq ft and houses 70 NHPs along with mice, rats, and rabbits.
Quick apply
Jim Wilson's legendary vector biology lab, this organization brings decades of excellence in vector ... The current vivarium is roughly 75,000 sq ft and houses 70 NHPs along with mice, rats, and rabbits.
... mice, rats, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, aquatics, reptiles, etc.) and participates as needed with ... Grade T29 Clinical Veterinarian (Sr.) 5+ years' experience in lab animal medicine in the academic ...
... mice, rats, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, aquatics, reptiles, etc.) and participates as needed with ... Grade T29 Clinical Veterinarian (Sr.) 5+ years' experience in lab animal medicine in the academic ...
... rats, rabbits, pigs, and sheep. This role is responsible for providing high-quality animal care ... to the lab. * Adhere strictly to biosafety, PPE, and sanitation practices. * Collaborate ...
... rats, rabbits, pigs, and sheep. This role is responsible for providing high-quality animal care ... to the lab. * Adhere strictly to biosafety, PPE, and sanitation practices. * Collaborate ...
Laboratory Animal Technician - College of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
... rats, rabbits, pigs, and sheep. This role is responsible for providing high-quality animal care ... to the lab. * Adhere strictly to biosafety, PPE, and sanitation practices. * Collaborate ...
Laboratory Animal Technician - College of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
... rats, rabbits, pigs, and sheep. This role is responsible for providing high-quality animal care ... to the lab. * Adhere strictly to biosafety, PPE, and sanitation practices. * Collaborate ...
Lab Rats information
See Pennsylvania salary details
$9.64 - $12.88
1% of jobs
$12.88 - $16.12
4% of jobs
$19.02 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.12 - $19.36
22% of jobs
The median wage is $22.53 / hr.
$19.36 - $22.61
23% of jobs
$22.61 - $25.85
23% of jobs
$26.30 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$25.85 - $29.09
9% of jobs
$29.09 - $32.33
8% of jobs
$32.33 - $35.57
4% of jobs
$35.57 - $38.82
2% of jobs
$38.82 - $42.06
1% of jobs
$42.06 - $45.30
1% of jobs
$9
$25
$45
How much do lab rats jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab rats in Pennsylvania is $25.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $27.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Lab Rats vs Laboratory Technicians?
| Aspect | Lab Rats | Laboratory Technicians |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically no formal credentials required | Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field |
| Work Environment | Research labs, experimental settings | Clinical, medical, or research laboratories |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Research institutions, biotech startups | Hospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities |
| Common Search & Comparison | Often compared for experimental roles | Compared 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 Pennsylvania? For Lab Rats jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Rats jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Rats jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Lab Rats jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Lab Rats job openings:
Postdoctoral Scholar - Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
Hershey, PA • On-site
Full-time
Re-posted 13 days ago
Penn State University rating
7.8
Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
225th of 613 rated colleges and universities
Job description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Grigson lab at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is looking for a highly motivated postdoc who is willing to embrace new approaches to important questions in neuroscience.
We have multiple NIH-funded projects to study the influence of FDA-approved GLP-1R agonists on drug seeking and reinstatement in rodents. A newly funded NIH R01 has the goal to determine who may be vulnerable to developing substance use disorders, when, how, why, and what might be done about it. Here, we will use the aversive behavioral and neurochemical response to the intraoral (IO) delivery of a drug-paired taste cue (i.e., conditioned withdrawal) to track the development of addiction in the most vulnerable male and female rats and to test the hypothesis that engagement of, not only reward substrates, but also homeostatic need substrates, contributes to the catastrophic transition from liking and wanting drug to needing drug early in the development of the disease.
Techniques that will be used in this project include intraoral catheter fluid delivery, video monitoring of facial responses (i.e., gapes), operant conditioning (Med Associates), telemetry for anterior digastric muscle activation (DSI, Harvard), and in vivo fiber photometry (TDT).
We are particularly looking for a PhD-level systems neuroscientist with expertise in animal behavior tracking using deep learning algorithms and their causal link with specific neural circuits. Expertise in circuit manipulation (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics) and/or recording (e.g., fiber photometry) is highly desirable. However, candidates with other experimental and/or data skills are welcome to apply. Experience in computer programming (e.g., Matlab, Python) and neuroinformatics tools is a plus but not required. Previous work with rats and basic surgical experience is strongly recommended.
We aim to build a strong research team with complementary expertise. Furthermore, we have several ongoing projects that bring different expertise and provide ample opportunities to publish with leading experts in different fields of neuroscience.
Eligible candidates should send a CV including the names of three professional references and a brief statement of research and career plan with technical skills
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Grigson lab at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA is looking for a highly motivated postdoc who is willing to embrace new approaches to important questions in neuroscience.
We have multiple NIH-funded projects to study the influence of FDA-approved GLP-1R agonists on drug seeking and reinstatement in rodents. A newly funded NIH R01 has the goal to determine who may be vulnerable to developing substance use disorders, when, how, why, and what might be done about it. Here, we will use the aversive behavioral and neurochemical response to the intraoral (IO) delivery of a drug-paired taste cue (i.e., conditioned withdrawal) to track the development of addiction in the most vulnerable male and female rats and to test the hypothesis that engagement of, not only reward substrates, but also homeostatic need substrates, contributes to the catastrophic transition from liking and wanting drug to needing drug early in the development of the disease.
Techniques that will be used in this project include intraoral catheter fluid delivery, video monitoring of facial responses (i.e., gapes), operant conditioning (Med Associates), telemetry for anterior digastric muscle activation (DSI, Harvard), and in vivo fiber photometry (TDT).
We are particularly looking for a PhD-level systems neuroscientist with expertise in animal behavior tracking using deep learning algorithms and their causal link with specific neural circuits. Expertise in circuit manipulation (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics) and/or recording (e.g., fiber photometry) is highly desirable. However, candidates with other experimental and/or data skills are welcome to apply. Experience in computer programming (e.g., Matlab, Python) and neuroinformatics tools is a plus but not required. Previous work with rats and basic surgical experience is strongly recommended.
We aim to build a strong research team with complementary expertise. Furthermore, we have several ongoing projects that bring different expertise and provide ample opportunities to publish with leading experts in different fields of neuroscience.
Eligible candidates should send a CV including the names of three professional references and a brief statement of research and career plan with technical skills
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
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Benefits
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About Penn State AVT
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
State College, PA, US
Year founded
1988