Candidate resources

You’ve made the decision to pursue a career at Charles River. We’re here to provide you with the support you need to help you get from candidate to career as smoothly as possible.

Helping you find your moment

You take great care and effort when you apply for a job with us. Rest assured that we’ll be just as diligent in finding the role that’s right for you. Here’s how our hiring process works:

Job Search

Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.

Application

Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest.

Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.

Assessment and application review

Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.

Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.

Interview

Engage in our inclusive interview process by meeting with a diverse group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions.

Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.

Job offer and onboarding

Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information.

Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.

Job Search

Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.

Application

Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest. Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.

Assessment and Application Review

Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.
Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.

Interview

Engage in our inclusive interview process by meeting with a diverse group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions. Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.

Job offer and onboarding

Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information. Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.

Young professional woman in an office setting.

Tonya M., Senior Talent Acquisition Partner

“To have a successful interview, review the job description and be prepared to provide specific examples of your work to highlight what you’ve done in the past. A resume is great but can only give us so much information about you. This is your time to shine, and we’re here to help you through the process!”

Pro tips for your best interview

Getting ready for your interview with us? Here are some things to help you be your best.

Do your homework

Research Charles River on our website, our social media pages, and more. Become well-versed on the Charles River DNA. Review the job description for the position you applied for and be prepared to show us why you really want the job and why we should offer you the position.

Answer questions in the STAR Method – Situation, Task, Action, Result. This showcases the good work you have done in the past. More than that, you should come ready to ask questions of the interviewer. You want to feel a true connection with us. It also shows you care.

When preparing for a virtual interview, ensure your computer and connection are good to go, that you’re in a quiet, well-lit location with an appropriate background, and that you’re on camera and not muted.

It may seem obvious, but make sure your resume is up-to-date, your voicemail box is set up and able to take messages, and you provide a timely response to all of our communications. And give yourself plenty of time when coming to an in-person interview.

The hiring process takes time. Please be patient while our team is compiling feedback. If more than a week has gone by, please feel free to reach out to your recruiter. And just because you may not be the ideal fit for one specific role, does not mean you are not a good fit for Charles River.

Not ready to apply yet?

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Inclusive hiring

At Charles River, we are committed to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every employee can succeed and thrive.

We recognize that employee diversity is the strength of our business and we aim to continue to build a talented workforce reflective of the global communities in which we live and work. These are some of the tangible examples of this commitment:

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team
  • CEO-chaired Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
  • Greater Board-level diversity
  • 11 employee resource groups
  • Consistent DE&I training
  • Diverse Interview Panels

59%

The percentage of women in our global workforce

53%

The percentage of women in global leadership positions

32%

The percentage of employees from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in our U.S. workforce

59%

The percentage of women in our global workforce

53%

The percentage of women in global leadership positions

32%

The percentage of employees from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in our U.S. workforce

*As of December 31, 2023

What to expect during your onboarding journey

The moment you say, “Yes” to a job offer, we’ll provide you with the support you need to feel accepted, inspired, and equipped to learn, grow, and succeed here. You will have an onboarding experience designed to fuel your sense of belonging, confidence, and connection.

First week – we are better together

During your first week, you will have the opportunity to meet your peers. You will also meet your Onboarding Champion and Buddy – colleagues who will help you navigate your first weeks at Charles River. During this phase, we will also help you set up essential tools, technologies, and other resources that will drive your success. Our Cultural and Foundational orientations will provide you with a warm CRL welcome – virtually and/or in-person. You will learn technologies as we share with you the steps you will experience along your new talent onboarding journey. This is an opportunity to discuss any questions you might have to ensure you feel confident and prepared.

Your start at Charles River is as important to us as it is to you. Together we will make your first few weeks here full of learning, connecting and even having some fun. You will meet your team and supporting department members. Expect to meet with your Buddy and manager at a pace you both agree upon and enjoy. Your manager will show you your pathway to success and how to access your online learning modules that provide valuable insights in who we are and how we operate, setting you up for success in your new role.

At Charles River, we are better because of the diverse skills and talents we all bring to our work. We look forward to helping you shine here! We know that you are interested in more than just acclimating to work as you start a new role – you want to thrive. The best new talent experiences are ones that are designed to create many opportunities to connect with colleagues both on the team and beyond. You will have an opportunity to step out of your busy day, step into interesting conversations with other new talent in Connect & Thrive onboarding events geared towards Charles Rivers Values, DNA, Culture, and Purpose and make great connections with your CRL peers.

By now you know that we CARE, LEAD, OWN, and COLLABORATE to succeed and grow together at Charles River. We hope you feel accepted for your unique strengths, curious to learn more and eager to share your great ideas to help us to always keep improving. You might consider joining an Employee Resource Group or volunteering in a CRL CARES event. Your manager will work with you to sustain connection, fuel your exploration, and remove barriers to your success. We are better when we learn, grow, and succeed together.

When it comes to choosing an employer, we know you are looking for more than just a paycheck. When you give your ideas, energy, and effort, you want to be inspired with a sense of purpose and encouraged to be curious, to learn, and to grow. As you celebrate your first year with us, we hope your experience has been filled with great people and ideas. We want you to know you are a valued member of the team, can take on new challenges, and feel excited for the years to come.
Young woman checking notifications on a smartphone.

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Make the most of your time
– moment by moment