Research Assistant I- Piedras Lab

Loyola University Chicago; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago's Piedras Lab seeks a Research Assistant I to join a team studying voltage-gated channels in the nervous system and in nervous system tumors. The start date is September 2026, with a minimum one-year commitment.

The position is fully in-person at the Maywood Health Sciences Campus. Role involves in vitro work on meningioma/osteoblast lines, tissue culture, cell biology analyses, immunocytochemistry, and biochemical assays; there may be opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent training.
• Education Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience Required: None.
• Experience Preferred: 1–2 years in related field.
• BS/BA in Biology or related field.
• Undergrad/post-bac research in animal physiology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro research on meningioma and/or osteoblast cell lines.
• Conduct tissue culture, cell biology analyses, immunocytochemistry, and biochemical assays.
• Contribute to manuscript writing and revision work.
• Engage in neurophysiology and tumor-related research under guidance.

Skills

In vitro techniques

Cell biology analysis

Immunocytochemistry

Biochemical assays

Tissue culture

Education

BS/BA in Biology or related field

Undergraduate or post-bac research in physiology

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Position Details

Job Title: RESEARCH ASST I

Position Number: 8150844

Work Modality: Fully In-Person

Is this request for the creation of a new Position (or the modification of an existing Position) to temporarily support the WorkDay ERP?: no

Job Category: University Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Campus: Maywood-Health Sciences Campus

Department Name: PHYSIOLOGY

Location Code: PHYSIOLOGY (06240A)

Is this split and/or fully grant funded?: Yes

Duties and Responsibilities

The Piedras Lab at the Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CaMP) Department is looking to bring on a new Research Assistant to join our team. The start date will be September 2026, with ideal start date by mid-September. The Piedras Lab research focus is on understanding voltage-gated channels' role in the nervous system and in primary tumors of the nervous system.

We are specifically looking for an individual with training in Physiology for this Level I RA position, with a minimum commitment of one year. The primary project will be to perform in vitro research on meningioma and or osteoblast cell lines, performing tissue culture, cell biology analysis, immunocytochemistry, and biochemical assays on live cell lines or frozen cell or tissue samples, and (if desired) contribute to manuscript writing and revision work. This position may be ideal for motivated med or grad school hopefuls looking to deepen their understanding of neurophysiology, meningioma pathophysiology, and osteoblast differentiation. However, this is a demanding position and not for someone who lacks discipline.

• Education Required: Bachelors Degree OR equivalent training acquired via work experience or education
• Education Preferred: Bachelors Degree
• Experience Required: None
• Experience Preferred: 1-2 years of previous job-related experience

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

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses: NA

Computer Skills: Word and Excel software knowledge, willingness to learn lab specific software as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Required operation of university owned vehicles: No

Does this position require direct animal or patient contact?: Yes

Physical Demands: None

Working Conditions: Animals

Open Date: 08/14/2026

Position Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate: $21.00/hr

Position Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate: $17.05/hr

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.

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.