Post-Doctoral Research Scholar

Loyola University Chicago; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Maywood, Illinois, is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar to investigate atrial myopathies and contractile regulation of striated muscle. This full-time position requires a recently obtained PhD in a biomedical research field and offers the opportunity to engage in independent research within an innovative lab environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in molecular cardiology and related areas, and demonstrate commitment to professional development and mentorship.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have recently obtained (or will obtain before starting) a PhD from a biomedical research background.
• Experience in molecular cardiology, microscopy, tissue culture, and mouse physiology is highly desirable.
• Strong motivation to pursue career development opportunities in research and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research projects focusing on atrial myopathies and genetic cardiomyopathies.
• Utilize mouse models and human cell-derived models to study biophysics and electrophysiology.
• Participate in collaborative research and attend scientific meetings.

Skills

Molecular cardiology

Microscopy

Tissue culture

Biochemistry

Mouse physiology

Biophysics

Strong verbal and written communication

Education

PhD in biomedical research

Tools

General office suite

Job description

Position Details

Job Title: Post-Doctoral Research
Position Number: 8150758
Work Modality: Fully In‑Person
Job Category: University Staff
Job Type: Full‑Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Campus: Maywood‑Health Sciences Campus
Department Name: PHYSIOLOGY
Location Code: PHYSIOLOGY (06240A)
Is this split or fully grant funded: Yes

Duties and Responsibilities

Dr. David Barefield, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell & Molecular Physiology at Loyola University Chicago, is seeking a Post‑Doctoral Research Scholar to work on several recently funded projects. The Barefield Lab focuses on atrial myopathies, contractile regulation of striated muscle, genetic cardiomyopathies, and the pathophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. This position offers an opportunity for the scholar to develop and pursue independent projects during training. The lab uses mouse models and human induced pluripotent stem cell‑derived cardiomyocyte models of genetic cardiovascular disease to study contractile biophysics, cellular and whole‑heart electrophysiology, in vivo physiology, and molecular and biochemical approaches to assess the effect of gene mutations on protein function.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Candidates must have recently obtained (or will obtain before starting) a PhD from a biomedical research background.
• Experience in one or more areas of molecular cardiology, microscopy, tissue culture, biochemistry, mouse physiology, or biophysics.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to pursue novel research areas and develop new techniques and approaches.
• Team player with an interest in learning to mentor and train other lab members.
• Ability to think independently and the initiative to follow new ideas.
• Motivation to pursue career development opportunities (e.g. applying for fellowships and awards, promoting your research, networking, etc.).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Position Details

• The Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology is an open, collaborative, and stimulating research environment with broad expertise including cardiac electrophysiology, cellular biophysics, imaging, aging, and proteomics.
• Training in super‑resolution quantitative microscopy and image analysis techniques, mass spectrometry, use of mouse models and human induced pluripotent stem cell‑derived cardiomyocyte disease models, and methods to assess cardiac electrophysiology and contractile biophysics.
• PI commitment to mentoring and career development opportunities tailored to allow the postdoctoral fellow to transition into their desired career path.
• Flexible start date.
• Regular opportunities to interact with collaborators at several Chicago research universities, and attendance at local and national scientific society meetings.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

• M.D. or PhD required.

Computer Skills

• General office suite and willingness to learn lab‑specific programs.

Special Instructions to Applicants

As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, we seek candidates who will contribute to our strategic plan to deliver a Transformative Education in the Jesuit tradition. To learn more about Loyola University Chicago’s mission, candidates should consult our website at www.luc.edu/mission/. For information about the university’s focus on transformative education, they should consult our website at www.luc.edu/transformativeed.

About Loyola University Chicago

Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to community engagement, and leadership in sustainability. A Carnegie R1 research institution, Loyola leverages its status as one of an elite group of universities with the highest level of research activity to advance knowledge that serves communities and creates global impact. With 15 schools, colleges, and institutes—including Business, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences—Loyola operates three primary campuses in the Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, that provide students a transformative, globally connected learning experience. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top universities by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is a STARS Gold‑rated institution that is ranked as one of the country’s most sustainable campuses by The Princeton Review and has earned distinctions from AmeriCorps and the Carnegie Foundation for its longstanding record of service engagement. Guided by its Jesuit mission and commitment to caring for the whole person, Loyola educates ethical leaders who think critically, act with purpose, and strive to create a more just and sustainable world.
Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits. To view our benefits in detail, click here.
Loyola adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy.

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