AstraZeneca·Cambridge, Massachusetts
Perform daily animal husbandry duties including housing, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health of animals. Support the successful conduct of in vivo studies while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and compliance with legal requirements.
Associate Specialist Introduction to role Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on patients through science-led preclinical research support?
In this role, you will provide animal care that helps enable high-quality in vivo studies, while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and advancing the principles of the 3Rs.
You will be part of a team that follows the science, puts patients first, and works together to turn bold ideas into meaningful outcomes.
We foster an inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued, curiosity is encouraged, and people are empowered to challenge convention in pursuit of better ways of working.
The principles of the 3Rs are embedded across every stage of study delivery, and success in this role will come from your ability to collaborate effectively, contribute with confidence, and support continuous improvement across the team.
Accountabilities Primary responsibilities, composing at least 80% of the work, are animal husbandry duties, including housing, feeding, cleaning enclosures, changing bedding, monitoring and supporting the care of sick animals.
Identify, document, and report animal health or welfare concerns in a timely manner.
Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental care, including feeding, sanitation, and daily monitoring.
Follow AstraZeneca standards for animal care and research under the guidance of more senior technicians, and ensure all work complies with applicable legal, safety, health, environmental, and local site requirements.
Plan, perform, and document procedures that support the successful conduct of studies.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, using them to support problem-solving and contribute effectively within a team-based environment.
Communicate scientific or operational findings clearly and professionally to internal stakeholders.
Essential Skills/Experience High school diploma with 1+ years of experience supporting laboratory animal studies is required.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment while planning work, managing priorities, and meeting timelines.
Desirable Skills/Experience Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience supporting laboratory animal studies is preferred.
A certificate or qualification in laboratory animal science, or progress toward obtaining one.
Awareness of current developments in laboratory animal science, supported through continuing professional development and ongoing learning.
Experience in drug discovery, disease-area research, or related preclinical research environments.
When we bring different perspectives together, we create the conditions for bold thinking, innovation, and meaningful impact for patients.
In-person collaboration helps us build strong connections, move with speed, and challenge each other to find better solutions.
That is why we typically work from the office while continuing to support flexibility where possible.
Join us in an ambitious environment where you can grow, contribute, and help shape what is possible.
Why AstraZeneca At AstraZeneca, you will be empowered to follow the science, put patients first, and make a meaningful difference through the work you do every day.
We are a place for people who are curious, entrepreneurial, and ready to challenge convention to deliver better outcomes.
Here, you will work alongside talented colleagues across scientific, technical, and operational disciplines in a culture that values inclusion, continuous learning, and bold ambition.
With opportunities to grow your career, contribute new ideas, and be part of a strong pipeline that is transforming the future of medicine, this is where you can do your best work and make a real impact.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $52,245 to $78,367.
Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles.
Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted 22-Jul-2026
28-Jul-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
Requires a high school diploma and at least one year of experience supporting laboratory animal studies. A bachelor's degree and professional certification in laboratory animal science are preferred.
Market context
In Massachusetts, associate specialist roles in animal sciences and technologies are typically tied to research, biotech, and academic lab settings, where employers look for dependable support with laboratory animal studies. Competition can be strong because candidates with hands-on animal care experience, a high school diploma, and especially a bachelor’s degree or professional certification often stand out. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to your lab animal experience and any certification or research support work.