Animal Research Technician I

About the Role

Start Your Career in Science – No Experience Needed! At Charles River, we’re hiring motivated individuals ready to learn and grow. You don’t need prior experience, just curiosity, a strong work ethic and a desire to be part of meaningful work. Join our team and play a role in advancing research that helps bring life‑saving treatments to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Through our structured, paid training program, you’ll build valuable, in-demand skills while working alongside a supportive team.
• Ensure the humane care and welfare of research animals through positive human-animal interactions.
• Learn and perform animal handling, restraint, feeding, watering, and husbandry procedures for multiple species.
• Conduct clinical observations and monitor animal health and well-being.
• Measure body weights and monitor food consumption.
• Collect, document, review, and verify study data.
• Maintain accurate records using paper and electronic data systems.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Support study activities while following established quality and regulatory standards.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or GED (preferred).
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in biology, Animal Science, or another life science discipline (preferred).
• Interest in research, laboratory sciences, or animal care.
• Previous animal care or laboratory experience is helpful but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and priorities.
• Commitment to animal welfare, safety, and quality standards.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Able to work a physical job that requires a lot of walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Fine motor skills for handling animals and performing procedures.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced research setting.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.

Pay, Schedule & Training

• Starting pay: $19–$20/hour
• Paid Training: 5–8 Weeks, Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• After Training Shift: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• This position requires overtime, weekend, holiday, and/or after-hour shift coverage, as needed.
• +10% for shift differentials for evening and weekend shifts.

Benefits

• Paid training program designed for beginners.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $20,000 annually.
• Opportunities to grow into advanced technical or scientific roles.
• Learn skills that can launch a long-term career in biotech and research.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Volunteer time off.
• Employee Assistance Programs.