Laboratory Animal Caretaker Jobs
Laboratory Animal Caretaker jobs are open across pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, contract research organizations, and government laboratories, from entry-level attendant to senior caretaker and facility supervisor roles, with specializations in rodent colony management, large animal husbandry, and germ-free animal care. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Neurosurgery is currently seeking an Assistant, Laboratory Animal Research. The selected candidate will support animal research activities and animal clinical care in the Hussain Lab, a NIH- and DoD-funded neuroscience laboratory focused on glymphatic biology, traumatic brain injury, and neuroimmunology. Work is performed in accordance with animal welfare regulations and applicable federal and institutional guidelines.
The Department of Neurosurgery aims to excel and innovate in the clinical practice, science, and education in neurosurgery. We seek to achieve this by creating a platform and culture whereby all team members contribute to this mission and reach their full capacity for impact and fulfillment. Critical to our success is each team member’s alignment and demonstration of our Core Values:
- Patients First, Together!
- Always Do the Right Thing
- Leave It Better Than You Found It
- Drive to Discovery and Mastery
ABOUT THE HUSSAIN LAB
The Hussain Lab operates within the Department of Neurosurgery and the University of Maryland–Medicine Institute of Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND). Led by Dr. Rashad Hussain, Ph.D., the lab is at the forefront of research on glymphatic system function, traumatic brain injury (TBI), glial biology, and neuro-regeneration. The lab’s work has been published in Nature, Trends in Neuroscience, Brain, and Journal of Neuroscience, and has opened new therapeutic directions in edema resolution after TBI, myelin repair, and brain metabolite clearance. Current research areas include:
- Glymphatic and lymphatic dynamics in brain injury, sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases
- Traumatic brain injury mechanisms, including cerebral edema and glymphatic impairment
- Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation, linking environmental toxicants (e.g., ultrafine particles from burn pits, air pollution) to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
- Glial biology and remyelination, including androgen receptor-mediated repair
- Advanced imaging and experimental models, including high-resolution two-photon imaging, mini-2P systems, and in vivo CSF tracer dynamics
BENEFITS (Contractual/C2 Employee):
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, personal leave, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).
UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, daily observations of animal health, collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health, reporting outcomes to veterinarian, triage, administer specific or prescribed animal treatments as required; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays, breeding colonization processes, irradiation of blood products, and executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc. May require performing psychological enrichment of certain species.
- May perform advanced laboratory research activities on a variety of animal species such as: obtaining blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples; perform animal surgery; post-operative care; implantation or placement of medical devices; administration of pharmaceuticals and nutrients, including anesthesia; and perform euthanasia process. May participate in the design of research studies and assist with budget tasks for research studies/projects.
- Compile and may analyze research data using various relevant computer software applications.
- Assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.
- May perform administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal sciences.
Experience: N/A
Supervisory Experience: N/A
Certification/Licensure: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.
Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required, only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.
Salary Range: $52,000 - $58,000 per year / Commensurate with education and experience
UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.
If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.
Job: Reg or CII Non-Exempt Staff - E3329C
Employee Class: Exempt Contingent II
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Financial Disclosure: No
Organization: School of Medicine - Neurosurgery
Job Posting: Jun 17, 2026
Unposting Date: Jun 24, 2026, 10:59:00 PM
University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Department of Neurosurgery is currently seeking an Assistant, Laboratory Animal Research. The selected candidate will support animal research activities and animal clinical care in the Hussain Lab, a NIH- and DoD-funded neuroscience laboratory focused on glymphatic biology, traumatic brain injury, and neuroimmunology. Work is performed in accordance with animal welfare regulations and applicable federal and institutional guidelines.
The Department of Neurosurgery aims to excel and innovate in the clinical practice, science, and education in neurosurgery. We seek to achieve this by creating a platform and culture whereby all team members contribute to this mission and reach their full capacity for impact and fulfillment. Critical to our success is each team member’s alignment and demonstration of our Core Values:
- Patients First, Together!
- Always Do the Right Thing
- Leave It Better Than You Found It
- Drive to Discovery and Mastery
ABOUT THE HUSSAIN LAB
The Hussain Lab operates within the Department of Neurosurgery and the University of Maryland–Medicine Institute of Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND). Led by Dr. Rashad Hussain, Ph.D., the lab is at the forefront of research on glymphatic system function, traumatic brain injury (TBI), glial biology, and neuro-regeneration. The lab’s work has been published in Nature, Trends in Neuroscience, Brain, and Journal of Neuroscience, and has opened new therapeutic directions in edema resolution after TBI, myelin repair, and brain metabolite clearance. Current research areas include:
- Glymphatic and lymphatic dynamics in brain injury, sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases
- Traumatic brain injury mechanisms, including cerebral edema and glymphatic impairment
- Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation, linking environmental toxicants (e.g., ultrafine particles from burn pits, air pollution) to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
- Glial biology and remyelination, including androgen receptor-mediated repair
- Advanced imaging and experimental models, including high-resolution two-photon imaging, mini-2P systems, and in vivo CSF tracer dynamics
BENEFITS (Contractual/C2 Employee):
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, personal leave, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).
UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perform routine laboratory maintenance and research activities such as: general housekeeping, daily observations of animal health, collection of cultures and biological specimens for diagnostic testing and monitoring of animal health, reporting outcomes to veterinarian, triage, administer specific or prescribed animal treatments as required; diagnostic molecular (ELISA), bacteriological, or biological assays, breeding colonization processes, irradiation of blood products, and executing biochemical procedures such as: electrophoresis, blotting, chromatography, and DNA extractions, etc. May require performing psychological enrichment of certain species.
- May perform advanced laboratory research activities on a variety of animal species such as: obtaining blood, bone marrow, and tissue samples; perform animal surgery; post-operative care; implantation or placement of medical devices; administration of pharmaceuticals and nutrients, including anesthesia; and perform euthanasia process. May participate in the design of research studies and assist with budget tasks for research studies/projects.
- Compile and may analyze research data using various relevant computer software applications.
- Assist with literature research, editing and preparing manuscripts, scientific illustrations and computer graphics for publication.
- May perform administrative duties such as: training and guiding students and/or other laboratory technicians; assisting in developing policies, procedures and/or methods for laboratory experimentation; and ordering supplies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, agriculture, veterinary science, biochemistry, chemistry, or field of study related to the animal sciences.
Experience: N/A
Supervisory Experience: N/A
Certification/Licensure: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred.
Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required, only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of position requirements. Knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.
Salary Range: $52,000 - $58,000 per year / Commensurate with education and experience
UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.
If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.
Job: Reg or CII Non-Exempt Staff - E3329C
Employee Class: Exempt Contingent II
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Financial Disclosure: No
Organization: School of Medicine - Neurosurgery
Job Posting: Jun 17, 2026
Unposting Date: Jun 24, 2026, 10:59:00 PM
See All 100+ Laboratory Animal Caretaker Jobs
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Find JobsLaboratory Animal Caretaker Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Charles River Laboratories12
- Pillen Family Farms5
- Columbia University3
- Labcorp3
- Oregon Health & Science University3
Top Industries Hiring
- Education31
- Science & Research29
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals11
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Agriculture & Farming9
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory animal caretaker jobs.
- High school diploma or equivalent with coursework in biology or animal science
- Hands-on experience handling and monitoring laboratory rodents or other research animals
- AALAS certification at the ALAT or LAT level or willingness to obtain it
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures for cage sanitation and animal husbandry
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods
- Familiarity with biosafety protocols and personal protective equipment requirements
Tips for Your Laboratory Animal Caretaker Job Search
Highlight AALAS certification on your resume
If you hold an AALAS certification, list it prominently near the top of your resume, not buried in a footer. Many laboratory animal caretaker postings screen for ALAT or LAT credentials before reviewing experience, so placement matters as much as the credential itself.
Document species experience with specific examples
Generic claims like 'animal handling experience' get overlooked. List the exact species you've worked with, such as mice, rats, rabbits, or non-human primates, and note procedures you performed, like cage changes, health monitoring, or breeding colony maintenance, to stand out to hiring managers.
Target postings by institutional animal care accreditation
Facilities accredited by AAALAC International often have structured career paths and invest more in training. Filtering your search toward AAALAC-accredited employers gives you a clearer picture of workplace standards and long-term growth compared to unaccredited settings.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists laboratory animal caretaker openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a practical skills demonstration
Many research facilities ask candidates to show hands-on technique during interviews, including proper animal restraint, cage sanitation protocol, or health observation checks. Review your facility's standard operating procedures and be ready to explain your process step by step, not just confirm you've done the task.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
Laboratory animal facilities operate seven days a week, and weekend or overnight shifts often carry differential pay that meaningfully increases your total compensation. During offer discussions, ask specifically about differential rates for non-standard shifts before accepting any figure.
Laboratory Animal Caretaker Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most laboratory animal caretakers?
The companies hiring the most laboratory animal caretakers right now include Charles River Laboratories, Pillen Family Farms, and Columbia University, with the largest share of openings in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations tend to post the highest volume of openings year-round.
How many laboratory animal caretaker jobs are remote?
About 2% of laboratory animal caretaker openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, since the role requires direct, hands-on animal care that cannot be performed off-site. Administrative functions like record-keeping, protocol documentation, or compliance reporting are occasionally offered as partial remote arrangements within otherwise on-site positions.
How do you become a laboratory animal caretaker?
To become a laboratory animal caretaker, start by earning a high school diploma and taking biology or animal science coursework at a community college. Apply for entry-level husbandry or facility attendant roles, gain hands-on experience with research species, and then pursue AALAS certification at the ALAT level, which you can earn while employed.
Can you get a laboratory animal caretaker job with little or no experience?
Yes, many research facilities hire entry-level candidates with no formal laboratory background if you have experience handling animals in any setting, such as veterinary clinics, shelters, farms, or pet care. Employers typically provide on-the-job training for facility-specific protocols, and AALAS certification can be earned after you start working.
What does the laboratory animal caretaker interview process look like?
The interview process typically begins with a phone screen from HR to confirm your availability and experience with animals. A second round with the facility manager or veterinary staff usually follows, often including a tour of the animal facility and questions about your handling technique, biosafety awareness, and comfort with regulatory compliance. Some employers include a brief practical demonstration.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory animal caretaker jobs?
You can find and apply to laboratory animal caretaker jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, species background, and preferred location, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 100+ Laboratory Animal Caretaker Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any laboratory animal caretaker role that fits.
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