Research Assistant II Uchida Lab

Loyola University Chicago; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola University Chicago’s Uchida Lab in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology seeks a Research Assistant II to join the CaMP team. The role focuses on studying how cardiac muscle cells remodel cytoarchitecture in response to stress using super-resolution microscopy on cardiomyocytes from mice and rats.

Start date is flexible, with ideal timing between Nov 2026 and Jan 2027. The position emphasizes mentorship and preparation for medical or graduate education, with hands-on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; masters preferred in a biological or physical science.
• 1–2 years of experience required; 3–5 years preferred.
• Some hands-on lab experience with tissue culture, animal work, microscopy, qPCR, or western blotting is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn laboratory techniques and perform experiments under mentorship.
• Record and organize data and analyze results.
• Prepare figures, presentations, and write results.
• Maintain a productive lab environment by ordering supplies and organizing space.
• Communicate effectively with department colleagues.
• Attend seminars and read literature to contribute to projects.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Masters Degree in Biological or physical sciences

Tools

Office software

Job description

Position Details

Job Title: Research Assistant II Uchida Lab

Position Number: 8151050

Work Modality: Fully In-Person

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

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

Duties and Responsibilities

The Uchida lab in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CaMP) at Loyola University Chicago is seeking a Research Assistant to join the team. The Uchida lab studies how cardiac muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) remodel their cytoarchitecture to grow in response to different stresses. The lab uses super resolution microscopy techniques to image adult cardiomyocytes isolated from mice and rats. The estimated start date is flexible, with the ideal start date between November 2026 - January 2027. This position may be ideal for motivated trainees seeking mentorship and guidance in preparation for professional education (medical/graduate school).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn new laboratory skills and gain proficiency in performing experiments under the guidance and mentorship of the Principal Investigator (PI) or others
• Record and organize data from experiments and learn to perform analysis of the results.
• Learn to present data (prepare figures, presentations, and write results).
• Maintain a healthy, productive research environment by placing orders and organizing the laboratory space.
• Openly communicate and work with other people in the department.
• Attend seminars and read scientific literature to intellectually contribute to projects

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Minimum Education: Required: Bachelors Degree

Preferred Education: Masters Degree Specify Degree(s): Biological or physical sciences

Experience Required: 1-2 years of previous job-related experience

Experience Preferred: 3-5 years of previous job-related experience

Qualifications

Some hands-on laboratory experience (prior experience in tissue culture, animal work, microscopy, qPCR, or western blotting is a plus but not required)

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

Bachelor's Degree

Computer Skills

Standard office software and willingness to learn research based software

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Required operation of university owned vehicles

No

Does this position require direct animal or patient contact?

Yes

Physical Demands

Standing

Working Conditions

Animals

Open Date

10/14/2026

Position Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate

$20.67

Position Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate

$17.79

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,

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.