RESEARCH ASSISTANT I

Loyola University Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,868 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago is seeking a Research Assistant (Level I RA) for the Muller Lab in the Cellular and Molecular Physiology department starting May or June 2026. The role involves assisting with animal open-heart surgery, telemetry data collection, and biochemical assays.

Applicants should have a BS/BA in Biology or a related field and preferably some research experience in animal physiology. The position is compensated at an hourly rate of $16.60 to $20.00.

Qualifications

• Research experience in animal physiology preferred.
• Direct animal contact required.
• Proficiency in lab-specific software as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in animal open-heart surgery and related care.
• Collect and analyze telemetry‑aided electrocardiography traces.
• Contribute to manuscript writing and revision work.

Skills

Logical and reasoning skills

Effective communication

Critical evaluation of data and research articles

Laboratory skills (cell isolation, culture)

Open-heart surgery in preclinical models

Education

BS/BA in Biology or related field

1-2 years of previous job-related experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Job Overview

The Muller Lab at the Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CaMP) department of Loyola University Chicago is seeking a Research Assistant (Level I RA) to begin May or June 2026, with an ideal start date in mid‑May. The role supports work that deepens our understanding of cardiac cyclic nucleotide cell signaling and physiology using cell‑based systems and animal models. The primary project involves assisting with animal open‑heart surgery, pre‑ and post‑surgery care, telemetry‑aided electrocardiography data collection and analysis, terminal surgery, biochemical assays on frozen tissue samples, and, if desired, manuscript writing and revision.

Responsibilities

Assist in animal open‑heart surgery and related care; collect and analyze telemetry‑aided electrocardiography traces; perform terminal surgery; conduct biochemical assays on frozen tissue samples; contribute to manuscript writing and revision work.

Skills Development

• Logical and reasoning skills
• Effective communication
• Critical evaluation of data and research articles
• Basic‑to‑advanced laboratory skills, including cell isolation and culture, FRET and calcium/sarcomere imaging techniques, protein and DNA assays, open‑heart surgery in preclinical models, and rodent husbandry and surgery (mouse and guinea pig)

Mentoring and Career Coaching

• Individual Development Plan using SMART goals
• Regular one‑on‑one meetings with the Principal Investigator
• Interview preparation support as needed
• Formal discussions with the lab as a group
• Presentation opportunities to the lab, collaborators, and the department

Qualifications

BS/BA in Biology or related field. Preferred: undergraduate or post‑bac research experience in animal physiology.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent training acquired via work experience or education. Preferred: 1–2 years of previous job‑related experience.

Computer Skills

Proficiency in Word and Excel; willingness to learn lab‑specific software as needed.

Animal Contact

Direct animal contact required.

Compensation

Hourly rate: $16.60–$20.00.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Loyola adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination.