Post Doctoral Research Scholar Oakes Lab

Loyola University Chicago; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar in the Department of Physiology at the Maywood Health Sciences Campus. The role involves joining projects funded in cell mechanics and quantitative microscopy, with opportunities to develop independent lines of inquiry.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MD in biomedical research, experience in microscopy, tissue culture, biochemistry, physiology, or biophysics, and a strong drive to advance their career through fellowships and

Qualifications

• PhD or MD required from a biomedical research background.
• Experience in microscopy, tissue culture, biochemistry, physiology, or biophysics.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for pursuing novel research areas and developing new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and pursue independent research projects during training.
• Work on multiple funded projects in the Oakes lab focusing on cellular mechanics and quantitative microscopy.
• Mentor and train lab members as part of the team.

Skills

Microscopy

Tissue culture

Biochemistry

Physiology

Biophysics

Verbal and written communication

Independent thinking

Initiative

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Education

PhD or MD

Tools

Office suite

Job description

Position Details

• Job Title: Post-Doctoral Research
• Position Number: 8151046
• Work Modality: Fully In-Person
• Campus: Maywood-Health Sciences Campus
• Department: PHYSIOLOGY
• Location Code: PHYSIOLOGY (06240A)
• Is grant funded: Yes
• Job Type: Full-Time
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Position Maximum Salary: $77,076/ann
• Position Minimum Salary: $63,480/ann
• Open Date: 10/07/2026
• Direct Animal or Patient Contact: Yes

Duties and Responsibilities

Dr. Oakes, Associate 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.

This Position will provide the opportunity for the Post Doctoral Research Scholar to develop and pursue independent projects during their training. The Oakes lab broadly investigates how cells generate and interpret mechanical signals using cell culture models and quantitative microscopy.

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 microscopy, tissue culture, biochemistry, 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.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

• M.D. or PhD Required

Qualifications

• M.D. or PhD Required

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

N/A

Computer Skills

General office suite and willingness to learn lab specific programs

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Required operation of university owned vehicles

No

Direct Animal or Patient Contact

Yes

Physical Demands

None

Working Conditions

None

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 greater 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 and community 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.