Research Assistant I (Larsen Lab)

Loyola University Chicago; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago, Maywood Health Sciences Campus, invites applications for a Research Assistant I to join a biology-focused lab studying host-microbiome interactions. The role blends wet-lab sequencing with computational analysis, offering hands-on opportunities in 16S workflows and data modeling.

Ideal candidates hold a BS in a relevant field, have microbiome sequencing experience, and are proficient in Python or R and Linux.

Qualifications

• BS in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computational biology, or related field required.
• Hands-on microbiome sequencing experience; proficiency in downstream bioinformatics.
• Scripting in Python or R; Linux/CLI proficiency.
• Metabolic flux modeling experience a plus; collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform 16S rRNA sequencing workflows and associated analyses.
• Conduct bioinformatic analysis of microbiome datasets and contribute to metabolic modeling.
• Maintain lab records, manage sample inventories, and assist with manuscript and grant preparation.

Skills

Microbiome sequencing

Python/R scripting

Bioinformatics analysis

Linux/command-line

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent training

Tools

MICOM

COBRApy

Cheminformatics toolkits

Job description

Job Title

RESEARCH ASST I

Position Number

8151041

Position Modality

Fully In-Person

Job Category

University Staff

Job Type

Full-Time

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Campus

Maywood-Health Sciences Campus

Department Name

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE

Location Code

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE (06500A)

Is this request for the creation of a new Position (or the modification of an existing Position) to temporarily support the WorkDay ERP?

Yes

Is this split and/or fully grant funded?

Yes

Open Date

07/28/2026

Close Date

Position Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate

$22/hr

Position Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate

$18/hr

Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking a motivated Research Technician to join our laboratory studying host-microbiome interactions and microbial metabolism. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing projects involving microbiome sequencing, metabolic modeling, and cheminformatic analysis of microbial metabolites.

The Research Technician will perform and assist in the design of 16S rRNA sequencing workflows, conduct bioinformatic analysis of microbiome datasets, and contribute to the computational modeling of microbial community metabolism. The position also involves maintaining laboratory records, managing sample inventories, and contributing to manuscript and grant preparation.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Education

• Required: Bachelors Degree OR equivalent training acquired via work experience or education
• Preferred: Bachelors Degree

Experience

• Required: None
• Preferred: 1-2 years of previous job-related experience

Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computational biology, or a closely related field is required. Candidates must have hands-on experience with microbiome sequencing methodologies and proficiency in downstream bioinformatic analysis using standard pipelines and tools. Computational experience including scripting in Python or R and familiarity with Linux/command-line environments is required. A background in chemistry and/or chemoinformatics, including experience with chemical structure databases, metabolite annotation, or cheminformatic toolkits, is also required. Experience with metabolic flux modeling (e.g., MICOM, COBRApy) or multi-omics data integration is a plus, as is familiarity with machine learning applications in biological data analysis. This is a full-time position based in an academic research laboratory. The role involves both wet-lab and computational work. Candidates who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment and who demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills are encouraged to apply.

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

N/A

Computer Skills

Basic Computer Skills - MS Office

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Required operation of university owned vehicles

No

Does this position require direct animal or patient contact?

Yes

Physical Demands

Repetitive Motions

Working Conditions

Ventilation, Odors, Animals

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. 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.