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Masters In Animal Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

HUSBANDRY OPERATIONS MGR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$82K - $126K/yr

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business or Animal Science. (Master's in Laboratory Animal Science preferred). * Experience: Minimum of five (5) years direct research animal care experience ...

Lead engaging, hands-on activities in the Garoon Gateway to Science, including wildlife exploration, experiments, and live animal encounters. * Care for live animals, including reptiles and small ...

Lead engaging, hands-on activities in the Garoon Gateway to Science, including wildlife exploration, experiments, and live animal encounters. * Care for live animals, including reptiles and small ...

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Masters In Animal Science information

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How much do masters in animal science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for masters in animal science in Chicago, IL is $31.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.74 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a masters in animal science?

A Masters in Animal Science job typically involves research, teaching, or applied work focused on animal nutrition, genetics, health, or production. Graduates may work in academia, government agencies, agricultural industries, or animal welfare organizations. Roles can include animal nutritionist, livestock consultant, research scientist, or extension specialist. Many positions involve improving animal health, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture. Advanced degrees may also lead to leadership roles in research or policy development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a masters in animal science position?

To thrive with a Masters in Animal Science, you need advanced knowledge in animal physiology, nutrition, genetics, and research methodologies, supported by a relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance (such as animal welfare certifications) is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are highly valued in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure high-quality research, effective animal management, and meaningful collaboration within academic, agricultural, or research institutions.

What types of career paths are available for someone with a masters in animal science?

With a Masters in Animal Science, you can pursue careers in fields such as research, animal nutrition, livestock production management, extension services, regulatory agencies, and academia. Many graduates find opportunities working for agricultural companies, government agencies, universities, or non-profits focused on animal welfare. Some positions involve hands-on animal care or management, while others focus on laboratory research or policy development. This degree also provides a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD or moving into specialized roles in animal genetics, nutrition consulting, or science communication. Career advancement often comes with additional experience, certification, or continuing education in your chosen specialty.

Is a master's degree in animal science worth it?

A master's in animal science can enhance job prospects in research, management, and specialized roles within the field, often leading to higher salaries and advanced positions. It provides in-depth knowledge of animal biology, nutrition, and management, and may require hands-on experience or internships to improve employability.

What can you do with a master's in animal science?

A master's in animal science prepares individuals for careers such as animal nutritionist, livestock manager, research scientist, or animal health specialist. Graduates often work in agricultural settings, laboratories, or regulatory agencies, utilizing skills in animal biology, management, and data analysis.

What kind of job do you get with a Masters in Animal Science degree?

A person with a Masters in Animal Science can pursue careers such as animal scientist, livestock manager, research scientist, or animal nutritionist. These roles often involve working in research facilities, farms, or laboratories, and may require knowledge of animal biology, nutrition, and management practices.

What are the most commonly searched types of Masters In Animal Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Masters In Animal Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Masters In Animal Science jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Masters In Animal Science jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Masters In Animal Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Masters In Animal Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Masters In Animal Science jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Masters In Animal Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Masters In Animal Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,919 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Animal Health Technician

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$24 - $27.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 53324
Location Chicago, Illinois
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Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

Performs daily health monitoring, clinical care, surgical support and enrichment for laboratory animals.

Specific Responsibilities:

Clinical Rounds

  • Performs daily rounds under the direct supervision of the clinical veterinarians or Animal Health Techincian, Leads to triage new animal health reports and monitor ongoing clinical cases. Communicates with veterinary staff and laboratory personnel to notify and update regarding the status of clinical cases. Performs physical examinations and treatments as deemed necessary by the clinical veterinarians.

Surgical Support

  • Assists the clinical veterinarians or other qualified individuals with surgical procedures. Prepares sterile instrument packs and prepares surgical suite animals for asceptic surgery. Under the direction of the clinical veterinarians, AHT Sr or Lead, administers anesthetic agents, intravenous fluids and monitors anesthesia and post surgical recovery.

Environmental Enrichment

  • Provides environmental and social enrichment to the laboratory animals. Maintains and monitors various reports and records including animal health records, activity reports and enrichment logs.

Colony Health/Sentinel Program

  • Assists with the rodent colony health monitoring program (Sentinel Program) and incoming rodent quarantine program. Responsibilities include scheduling of quarterly and quarantine sentinel shipments with the diagnostic laboratory, ordering of replacement sentinels and review of the testing results.

Drugs, Supplies and Testing

  • Dispenses non-controlled drugs and supplies from the CCM pharmacy to laboratory personnel. Performs periodic inventories of drugs, supplies, assay kits and instruments. Prepares and submits animals or specimens (blood, tissue, feces) for testing at diagnostic laboratories as determined necessary by the clinical veterinarians.

Teaching/Training

  • Participates in the training of animal care staff, laboratory personnel and interns in proper animal restraint, barrier technique and asepsis. Participates in various staff meetings, staff training and continuing professional education.

Regulatory

  • Maintains and monitors various reports and records including animal health records, activity reports and enrichment logs. Remains current with all regulations pertaining to laboratory animals including the Guide, Animal Welfare Act, etc. Becomes familiar with relevant Animal Study Protocols and meets with investigators and laboratory personnel to discuss research needs and animal health concerns.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • Successful completion of a college level curriculum in veterinary technology requiring a minimum of two years of full time academic study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or completion of a 4 year degree in animal science, biology, veterinary science, zoology or related field.
  • One year of experience as a veterinary assistant or technician in a veterinary medical facility, research facility or diagnostic laboratory or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience where the required knowledge, skills and abilities are acquired.
  • Must be able to type and have working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing and e-mail software.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Current state board licensure in veterinary technology in at least one state.
  • Experience in animal research.
  • Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the ALAT level.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $24.00-$27.75 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.


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