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Rodent Behavior Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Scientist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$40K - $46K/yr

Experience in rodent handling * Experience in any histological or simple protein methods (e.g ... behavioral tests, tissue dissection, and histology. * Cell biology, including primary neuronal ...

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Rodent Behavior Scientist information

See salary details

$42.5K

$94.4K

$153K

How much do rodent behavior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for rodent behavior scientist in the United States is $94,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Rodent Behavior Scientists face when designing behavioral experiments?

Rodent Behavior Scientists often encounter challenges related to ensuring experimental controls and minimizing variability in animal responses. Factors such as environmental enrichment, handling techniques, and circadian rhythms can all significantly influence rodent behavior, making reproducibility and consistency crucial. Additionally, balancing ethical considerations with scientific rigor requires careful planning and adherence to animal welfare guidelines. Collaborating closely with veterinarians and animal care staff is essential to maintain both the integrity of the research and the well-being of the animals.

What is the difference between Rodent Behavior Scientist vs Pest Control Specialist?

AspectRodent Behavior ScientistPest Control Specialist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in biology or animal behavior, research experienceCertification in pest management, licensing requirements
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field studies, academic settingsResidential, commercial properties, pest control companies
Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, environmental agenciesPest control services, extermination companies

While both roles involve working with rodents, a Rodent Behavior Scientist focuses on studying rodent behavior and ecology, often in research settings, whereas a Pest Control Specialist is primarily involved in managing and eliminating rodent infestations in various environments. The former requires scientific credentials and research experience, while the latter emphasizes pest management certifications and practical application skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rodent Behavior Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rodent Behavior Scientist, you need a solid background in animal behavior, neuroscience, or psychology, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD. Experience with behavioral tracking software, data analysis tools like MATLAB or R, and certifications in animal care and ethical research practices are important. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills help in designing experiments and collaborating with research teams. These skills ensure rigorous, ethical research and reliable results that advance scientific understanding of rodent behavior.

What are Rodent Behavior Scientists?

Rodent Behavior Scientists are researchers who study the behavior, cognition, and physiology of rodents such as mice and rats. Their work helps to understand animal models of human diseases, neurological processes, and behavioral responses to various stimuli or treatments. They often design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish findings that advance scientific knowledge in fields like neuroscience, psychology, and pharmacology. These scientists typically work in academic, pharmaceutical, or government research settings.
Infographic showing various Rodent Behavior Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,420 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Licensed Veterinary Technician

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Research Foundation of the City University of New York rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 687 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).
The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.
We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.
Primary Location:
CUNY-ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER
Bargaining Unit:
No
The Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at CUNY is a dynamic, interdisciplinary research hub where scientists from the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and engineering collaborate to tackle complex challenges in human health and disease. This collaborative environment offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries that translate from the bench to real-world impact.
The Comparative Medicine Unit (CMU) serves as the backbone of ASRC's animal research program, providing expert animal care and technical support to a diverse community of investigators. The CMU is deeply committed to excellence in animal welfare, upholding the highest standards of ethical care, regulatory compliance, and scientific integrity. Our program supports a variety of animal models, including rodents and avian species, offering a stimulating environment for technicians interested in expanding their skills across species.
The Veterinary Technician plays a key, hands-on role within the CMU, combining animal care expertise with active participation in research support. This position involves daily interaction with animals, including health monitoring, husbandry oversight, and procedural assistance, as well as collaboration with researchers on study execution. The role is ideal for a motivated veterinary technician seeking to grow in a research setting, gain exposure to advanced biomedical techniques, and contribute meaningfully to scientific progress. Working closely within a collaborative team environment, the Veterinary Technician will report directly to the CMU Facility Director and the Attending Veterinarian, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, veterinary oversight, and regulatory standards. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a team dedicated to both animal well-being and high-quality research outcomes, ensuring full compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Monitor the health and well-being of animals housed in the vivarium and report any abnormalities to the Veterinarian and CMU Facility Director.
  • Perform routine health checks, administer medications, and assist with veterinary procedures.
  • Assist with euthanasia procedures in accordance with approved protocols and ethical standards.
  • Support sentinel and environmental monitoring programs, including quarterly testing.
  • Administer injections, collect biological samples, and assist with data collection.
  • Provide technical support for users of the rodent behavior core facility.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of animal health, treatments, and colony management.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements (IACUC, OLAW, USDA).
  • Assist with implementation and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Train and support researchers, students, and staff in proper animal handling and procedures.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized vivarium environment.
  • Collaborate with veterinarians, researchers, and facility staff to support research and animal care operations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Certification as a Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT).
  • Knowledge of laboratory animal science and animal care practices.
  • Familiarity with applicable regulations and guidelines governing animal research.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a vivarium or research animal facility.
  • Experience in handling and working with rodent models.
  • Experience with avian species preferred, or willingness to learn and become proficient in working with avian models (e.g., Leghorn chickens)

Required Skills:
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Working Conditions
  • Work is performed in a controlled vivarium environment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
  • Exposure to animals, allergens, and biohazard materials may occur.
  • Compliance with institutional safety and biosecurity protocols is required.

Pay Range:
$55,000 - $70,000
RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.