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Laboratory Veterinarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$21 - $26/hr

Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) in the Laboratory Department play a key role in supporting diagnostic care by performing and interpreting a wide range of in-house laboratory tests. In our fast ...

$21 - $26/hr

Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) in the Laboratory Department play a key role in supporting diagnostic care by performing and interpreting a wide range of in-house laboratory tests. In our fast ...

Working alongside a team of veterinary and scientific experts, the Veterinary Laboratory Technician will play a key role in supporting clinical studies, diagnostic analyzer evaluations, validation ...

New

$140K - $170K/yr

Perform laboratory procedures and diagnostic tests, including but not limited to parasitology, hematology and urinalysis. Skills and Knowledge * Valid and in good standing licensed veterinarian ...

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Laboratory Veterinarian information

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$49.5K

$165.5K

$294K

How much do laboratory veterinarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory veterinarian in the United States is $165,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $218,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory veterinarian?

Laboratory veterinarians are specialized veterinarians responsible for the care, health, and welfare of animals used in research, teaching, and testing settings. They ensure that animals receive appropriate housing, nutrition, and medical care, and that research complies with ethical and legal standards. Laboratory veterinarians also collaborate with researchers to design experiments that minimize animal distress and advise on proper handling and procedures. Their work is essential for advancing scientific knowledge while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory veterinarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree, licensure, and expertise in laboratory animal medicine and research protocols. Familiarity with animal care guidelines, regulatory compliance (such as AAALAC and IACUC), and laboratory management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, ethical judgment, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These qualifications and skills ensure the humane treatment of animals, support valid scientific research, and uphold institutional and legal standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by laboratory veterinarians when ensuring animal welfare in research settings?

Laboratory veterinarians often navigate the challenge of balancing scientific objectives with strict animal welfare regulations. They must ensure that all animal care and use procedures comply with ethical standards and legal requirements, while also supporting researchers in achieving their scientific goals. This can involve making complex decisions about pain management, enrichment, and humane endpoints, as well as providing training to research staff. Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are essential to address these challenges and maintain high standards of care.

What is the difference between Laboratory Veterinarian vs Research Veterinarian?

AspectLaboratory VeterinarianResearch Veterinarian
CredentialsDVM or VMD, licensing, often additional research certificationsDVM or VMD, licensing, research-specific training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, animal research facilities, diagnostic labsResearch institutions, universities, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & IndustryVeterinary diagnostic labs, research institutionsAcademic, biotech, pharmaceutical research
Job FocusAnimal health diagnostics, clinical care, lab testingDesigning and conducting research studies, data analysis

While both roles require veterinary credentials and involve animal health, Laboratory Veterinarians focus on diagnostics and clinical care within labs, whereas Research Veterinarians primarily conduct scientific research to advance veterinary or medical knowledge. The roles often overlap in research settings but differ in daily responsibilities and objectives.

How to become a laboratory veterinarian?

To become a laboratory veterinarian, one must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college, complete licensing exams such as the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), and gain experience in laboratory animal medicine. Additional training or certification in laboratory animal science can enhance qualifications for roles involving research and diagnostics.
More about Laboratory Veterinarian jobs

What cities are hiring for Laboratory Veterinarian jobs?

Cities with the most Laboratory Veterinarian job openings:

What states have the most Laboratory Veterinarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Laboratory Veterinarian jobs include:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Veterinarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,527 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

Clinical Veterinarian, Veterinary Services

The Jackson Laboratory

Bar Harbor, ME • On-site

$98K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


The Jackson Laboratory rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The Clinical Veterinarian directs the clinical care of sick and injured mice at JAX and assists other Comparative Medicine and Quality veterinarians in assuring that JAX policies and procedures are appropriate to assure: the health and welfare of JAX mice; continued compliance with relevant laws and regulations; and continued AAALACi accreditation. This individual participates in research projects and may present lectures or research results at conferences.
This role is fully onsite in Bar Harbor, ME. We can assist with relocation cost and temporary housing for transition
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
  • Directs clinical care of JAX mice. May provide bio-methods or surgical training to JAX staff.
  • Participates as a veterinary member of the Animal Care and Use Committee including protocol review and policy writing.
  • Responds to questions and concerns raised by JAX employees and customers related to the care, use, health, and welfare of mice. Assists Animal Welfare and Compliance in responding to and resolving animal care and welfare issues that threaten to compromise JAX's ability to conduct animal research or distribute animals.
  • Participates in research studies, including data analysis and reporting, in collaboration with JMCRS, In-Vivo and other members of CMQ.
  • Works with pathologists, Chief of Diagnostic Services, and Biosecurity Officer to investigate unusual clinical cases or cases involving known or suspected infectious disease.
  • Signs/negotiates health certificates.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • DVM/VMD degree and a U.S. license to practice veterinary medicine; possesses qualifications needed to become licensed to practice veterinary medicine in applicable state(s) and to become accredited by USDA in applicable state(s) depending on their assigned location.
  • At least 2 years experience working as a laboratory animal veterinarian; completion of a laboratory animal residency program a plus.
  • Board eligibility or certification in a relevant veterinary specialty, e.g., ACLAM a plus.
  • Skill in reading and comprehending technical specifications, laws, and codes as they relate to regulatory compliance.
  • Excellent initiative and organizational skills to prioritize complex tasks, projects, and workflow, and use independent judgment to make decisions regarding operations and deadlines.
  • Possess traits of good judgment, confidentiality, and discretion with colleagues and constituents.
  • Proven ability to analyze and synthesize information, and demonstrated resourcefulness in finding appropriate solutions to problems and initiative in presenting alternatives and implementing solutions to ensure effective change and/or eliminate or mitigate potential negative effects
  • Demonstrated positive attitude and professional manner in all interactions; demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and in writing to clearly exchange information with people representing a wide diversity of disciplines and levels of sophistication
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally to achieve exchange of information with people representing a wide diversity of disciplines and levels of sophistication.
  • Ability to travel up to10% of the time.

Pay Range: $98,885 - $165,555 based on years of experience
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

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