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Lab Rats Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Lab Rats information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$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 Philadelphia, PA is $25.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $28.12 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 Philadelphia, PA? For Lab Rats jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Rats jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Rats jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Infographic showing various Lab Rats job openings in Philadelphia, PA 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 $52,993 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Senior Laboratory Animal Veterinarian or Director

RPM ReSearch

King Of Prussia, PA

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

LAM Senior Clinical Veterinarian or Director


Location: Discovery Labs Campus (On-Site)

Type: Full-Time

Travel: <10% Domestic/International

Experience Level: Mid to Senior

Board Eligibility Required: DACLAM


Transform the Future of Human Health Through Cell and Gene Therapy


At the forefront of biomedical innovation, our client, a preclinical Research Organization focused on cell and gene therapy, plays a pivotal role in advancing treatments that hold the promise to transform, and even cure, previously untreatable diseases. With roots tracing back to the pioneering work of Dr. Jim Wilson’s legendary vector biology lab, this organization brings decades of excellence in vector technology to the rapidly evolving world of genetic medicine.


By providing end-to-end services from discovery through clinical manufacturing, they empower biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate groundbreaking therapies to the clinic. If you are passionate about improving health outcomes through science and want to work in an agile, mission-driven environment, this opportunity is for you.


The current vivarium is roughly 75,000 sq ft and houses 70 NHPs along with mice, rats, and rabbits. We will be bringing on minipig models shortly.


About the Role


The Clinical Veterinarian will be an essential part of our client's scientific and compliance operations. This position ensures the health and well-being of a diverse range of laboratory animals, supports in vivo research critical to therapeutic discovery, and collaborates across departments to ensure humane, regulatory-compliant, and scientifically sound practices.

You will serve as both a scientific contributor and an institutional leader, helping design robust in vivo models, providing expert veterinary oversight, and mentoring a team of skilled animal care technicians.


Key Responsibilities


Research Support

  • Provide in vivo testing services compliant with global regulatory standards
  • Contribute to protocol development and review for preclinical studies
  • Use advanced biomethodologies for administration and sampling
  • Develop and validate small and large animal models
  • Analyze and report research data for scientific and regulatory use


Veterinary Care and Program Oversight

  • Lead the clinical care program for both small and large species
  • Maintain and audit medical records per GLP and FDA standards
  • Offer emergency veterinary care on a rotating basis
  • Ensure robust animal health screening and sourcing for study readiness
  • Provide expert guidance on humane endpoints, animal assignment, sample collection, and data delivery to meet fast-paced project timelines


Compliance and IACUC Support

  • Partner with the IACUC Director to develop, review, and submit protocols
  • Ensure ongoing protocol compliance through post-approval monitoring
  • Uphold USDA, AAALAC, OLAW, and other federal regulations


Required Qualifications

  • DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
  • Licensed to practice in at least one U.S. state, with eligibility for Pennsylvania licensure within 1 year
  • Board certification or eligibility by ACLAM or equivalent international certification
  • 2 or more years of experience in laboratory animal medicine preferred
  • Supervisory experience of veterinary technicians strongly preferred


Skills and Attributes

  • Strong foundation in regulatory compliance and animal welfare standards
  • Proven ability to work with diverse lab animal species, including non-human primates
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills in verbal, written, and digital formats
  • Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment


Physical and Safety Requirements

  • Must be able to work in animal facilities, including non-human primate, rodent, and rabbit spaces
  • Annual TB screening and measles titer proof required due to facility access


Benefits

  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Floating personal holidays
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Life and AD&D insurance


If you are driven to make a real impact in the field of genetic medicine and eager to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in cell and gene therapy, apply now to join a mission-oriented team redefining what is possible for patients worldwide.