Post-Doctoral Research Scholar - Choudhry Lab

Loyola University Chicago; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 62,232 - 75,564; Full time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join the Burn Shock Trauma Institute's NIH-supported research program. The role involves investigating gut immune dysfunction and microbiome-driven inflammation, particularly after burn trauma and critical illness.

Candidates should have a PhD in biomedical sciences or related field, with strong expertise in epithelial biology and inflammation research. The position is full-time and requires in-person collaboration. Salary ranges from $62,232 to $75,564 annually.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in relevant biomedical sciences.
• Strong background in epithelial biology and inflammation.
• Expertise in experimental techniques including cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments in gut barrier biology.
• Lead functional epithelial and permeability assays.
• Perform in vivo murine studies involving injury and colitis.

Skills

Epithelial biology

Inflammation research

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

PhD, MD/PhD

Tools

Western blotting

ELISA

RT-qPCR

Immunofluorescence

Job description

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow – Gut Barrier, Microbiome, and Translational Injury

Department: Burn Shock Trauma Institute, Loyola University Chicago – Maywood–Health Sciences Campus.

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Fully In-Person.

Position Overview

The Burn and Shock Trauma Research Institute (BSTRI) at Loyola University Chicago is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an NIH-supported translational research program investigating gut immune dysfunction, epithelial barrier disruption, microbiome-driven inflammation, and intestinal injury following burn trauma, colitis, and critical illness.

• Intestinal epithelial tight junction regulation
• Gut barrier failure and systemic inflammation after burn/trauma
• Microbiome-based and probiotic interventions
• Experimental models of intestinal inflammation, including DSS-induced colitis

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing projects involving intestinal permeability assays, murine injury and colitis models, and host‑microbe interactions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative experiments in gut barrier biology, inflammation, and injury response. Lead functional epithelial assays, including:
• Tight junction permeability models
• TEER measurements
• Barrier integrity and cytokine-induced disruption studies
• Perform and support in vivo murine studies, including models of burn injury, alcohol, trauma, and colitis
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques such as western blotting, ELISA, RNA/DNA isolation, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging
• Mentor trainees and contribute to institute-wide collaborations
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and scientific presentations
• Assigned duties as needed

Minimum Education and Experience

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical sciences, immunology, microbiology, physiology, or related field

Qualifications

• Strong background in epithelial biology, inflammation, or translational disease research
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental techniques including cell culture and functional barrier assays, immunoblotting and immunoassays, PCR and quantitative gene expression analysis
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills

Salary: $62,232 – $75,564 per annum.

Loyola University Chicago 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.