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Company Summary

  • Charles River Laboratories Charles River Laboratories
  • http://criver.com
  • BioTechnology / Pharmaceutical
  • 1001+ employees
  • Wilmington, Massachusetts

Company Reviews

At Charles River, we are guided by our strong purpose—to create healthier lives—which centers around the patients who rely on the therapeutics we help to develop, the animals in our care, to our planet, and to the passionate and skilled people who are at the heart of our organization and make it all possible.

#DrugDiscovery #Biotech #Biotechnology #Pharmaceuticals #CRL

Rating Reviews

Rating is calculated based on 14 reviews and is evolving.

Featured Reviews

Research Scientist
3.9
6 May 2026
Stable CRO with Good Learning for Scientists
Pros: As a Research Scientist, I appreciate the collaborative team and meaningful work in drug discovery. There are solid learning opportunities from experienced colleagues, and it's a stable CRO environment providing good job security.
Cons: Internal approval processes can be a bit slow at times. Also, communication between some larger departments could definitely be improved for smoother project flow.
Advice to Management: Focus on streamlining internal approval processes to accelerate project timelines. Enhancing inter-departmental communication would also greatly improve overall efficiency.
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Research Associate
3.1
28 April 2026
Great Learning Environment with Supportive Teams
Pros: Charles River Labs offers excellent hands-on lab experience for Research Associates in biotech. The training and supportive colleagues create a collaborative onsite environment. Job security is good, making it a stable place to grow skills.
Cons: Workload can be very high at times. Career progression as a Research Associate feels slow without actively seeking new opportunities. Leadership's broader company communication could be more consistent.
Advice to Management: Focus on clearer, more consistent communication from leadership regarding company direction and strategic changes. Also, provide more defined pathways or mentorship programs to help Research Associates see clearer opportunities for career advancement within the company.
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Research Associate
3.0
11 February 2026
Okay for lab work, but balance can be tough
Pros: The benefits are solid for the biotechnology industry. You learn a ton in the lab, which is great for career development. There's good job security here too.
Cons: Work-life balance here is a real challenge for onsite lab roles. I often worked more than 40 hours a week because of project deadlines in preclinical research. It's hard to get real work flexibility when you're tied to experiments.
Advice to Management: Consider better staffing ratios for preclinical research projects. This would really help reduce burnout among Research Associates and improve overall morale.
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Common Questions About Charles River Laboratories

What is the typical salary range for a Research Associate at Charles River Laboratories in the Boston area, and what kind of benefits can I expect?
What is the typical salary range for a Research Associate position at Charles River Laboratories, particularly for those with a Master's degree in the Boston area?
What is the typical working culture like for entry-level lab technicians at Charles River Laboratories in the Massachusetts area?
What kind of health and wellness benefits does Charles River Laboratories offer its employees in the Massachusetts area?
What is the typical work-life balance like for lab technicians at Charles River Laboratories, particularly in the Massachusetts facilities?
What is the typical working culture like for entry-level research associates at Charles River Laboratories, especially in their Massachusetts facilities?
What is the general working culture like at Charles River Laboratories for lab technicians, particularly in their Massachusetts facilities?
What is the work-life balance like for lab technicians at Charles River Laboratories, especially in their Massachusetts facilities?
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