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Rodent Surgery Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provide guidance on rodent surgical models (e.g., cannulation, tumor implantation, metabolic models) * Work closely with research scientists in the development and implementation of animal models

Postdoctoral Fellow

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Our research focuses on aging and Alzheimer's disease, so we require applicants with a background ... We are looking for an applicant who has proven expertise in rodent surgical techniques, including ...

Our research lab has several areas of focus: 1) We examine how the brain regulates puberty onset ... surgical procedures, euthanizing rodents, tissue sample collection, and executing rodent studies ...

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Rodent Surgery Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do rodent surgery researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for rodent surgery researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Rodent Surgery Researcher?

A Rodent Surgery Researcher is a scientific professional who specializes in performing surgical procedures on rodents, such as mice and rats, for biomedical research purposes. These researchers are responsible for designing experiments, conducting surgeries with strict adherence to ethical and regulatory standards, and ensuring the welfare of the animals. Their work supports studies in areas like neuroscience, genetics, pharmacology, and disease modeling. Rodent Surgery Researchers often collaborate with other scientists, maintain detailed records, and may also train others in surgical techniques.

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

To thrive as a Rodent Surgery Researcher, you need a solid background in animal science or biomedical research, proficiency in aseptic surgical techniques, and often a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory animal care protocols, use of surgical instruments, and compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines are typically required, alongside certifications like ALAT or LAT. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure the welfare of research animals, the accuracy of experimental results, and compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by rodent surgery researchers and how are they addressed in a laboratory setting?

Rodent surgery researchers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict aseptic technique, ensuring precise and reproducible surgical procedures, and minimizing animal stress and post-operative complications. These challenges are addressed through comprehensive training, adherence to detailed protocols, and close collaboration with veterinary staff. Laboratories typically provide regular workshops, access to specialized equipment, and foster a team environment where researchers can share best practices and troubleshoot issues together, ensuring both animal welfare and research integrity.

What is the difference between Rodent Surgery Researcher vs Laboratory Animal Technician?

AspectRodent Surgery ResearcherLaboratory Animal Technician
CredentialsVeterinary or research-related certifications, surgical trainingAnimal care certifications, laboratory animal technician credentials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, surgical suites, academic institutionsAnimal facilities, research institutions, laboratories
Job FocusPerforming surgeries, experimental procedures on rodentsAnimal husbandry, daily care, and monitoring of laboratory animals

While both roles involve working with laboratory rodents, the Rodent Surgery Researcher specializes in performing surgical procedures and experimental interventions, requiring surgical skills and related certifications. In contrast, the Laboratory Animal Technician focuses on daily animal care, monitoring, and maintaining animal health. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in their primary responsibilities and skill requirements.

More about Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Rodent Surgery Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rodent Surgery Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Laboratory Animal Veterinarian

Laboratory Animal Veterinarian

Lilly

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$126K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Eli Lilly & Co. is seeking a Clinical Veterinarian in the Department of Nonclinical Safety Assessment within the Division of Veterinary Resources. Under the direction of the Attending veterinarian, this role is focused on supporting a rodent-based research program, providing clinical and scientific expertise within a high-throughput preclinical environment.Veterinary Resources is a valued department within Lilly and this position will have significant access to resources, high visibility, and commensurate opportunities to influence development.

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily clinical care and health surveillance for rats and mice in barrier and conventional housing environments
  • Oversight of rodent colony health, including sentinel monitoring programs and pathogen exclusion strategies
  • Provide guidance on rodent surgical models (e.g., cannulation, tumor implantation, metabolic models)
  • Work closely with research scientists in the development and implementation of animal models
  • Collaborate with researchers in development of protocols for review by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
  • Perform veterinary reviews for Animal Care and Use Protocols
  • Monitor and facilitate compliance with all applicable policies and guidelines related to the use of rodents in research
  • Assist in the development of training modules and providing specialized training to in vivo users
  • Other potential activities include assessment of outsourcing facilities, mentorship of interns and students, and various leadership opportunities

Basic Qualifications

  • Must have a DVM or VMD with a minimum of 3 years of experience in Laboratory Animal Medicine
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1

Additional Skills/Preferences

  • Eligibility to obtain an Indiana Veterinary License and USDA accreditation
  • Willingness to relocate to the Indianapolis area
  • Demonstrated hands-on clinical and surgical experience with rats and mice in a research setting
  • Familiarity with common rodent pathogens, health monitoring programs and biosecurity protocols
  • Successful completion of a residency in Laboratory Animal Medicine
  • ACLAM Board certification or eligibility
  • AAALAC site visit experience
  • Expertise in rodent-specific anesthesia, analgesia, and perioperative care

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$126,000 - $204,600

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876