Research Assistant I

The Muller Lab at Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CaMP) at LUC is looking to bring on a new Research Assistant to join our team. The start date will be May or June 2026, with ideal start date by mid-May. The mission of the Muller Lab is to deepen our understanding of cardiac cyclic nucleotide cell signaling and physiology, using cell-based systems and animal models. Our research focuses on hemodynamics in normal healthy state to pregnancy to heart failure states. Our lab is a space where as a team we make exciting discoveries while supporting the individual and scientific growth of every member. We value integrity, pursuit of the truth, camaraderie, and creativity. Please check out the lab website (mullerheartlab.org) for more information on the lab's research and culture.

For the Level I RA position we are specifically looking for an individual with:

A BA/BS in animal physiology with mandatory animal research experience, with a minimum one-year commitment. The primary project will be to assist in animal open-heart surgery, pre- and post-surgery care, to collect and analyze telemetry-aided electrocardiography traces, perform terminal surgery, perform biochemical assays on frozen tissue samples, and (if desired) contribute to manuscript writing and revision work. The prior and current technicians who were in this position have successfully enrolled in medical school, and this position may be ideal for motivated med or grad school hopefuls looking to deepen their understanding of cardiovascular physiology, animal physiology, and molecular biology. However, this is a demanding position and not for someone who lacks discipline.

Skills the individual will develop in the lab include:

1) logical and reasoning skills

2) effective communication

3) critical evaluation of data and research articles, and

4) basic-to-advanced laboratory skills encompassing cell to animal physiology (cell isolation and culture, FRET and calcium/sarcomere imaging techniques, protein and DNA assays, open-heart surgery in preclinical models, rodent husbandry and surgery including mouse and guinea pig)

In addition, the individual will receive customized mentoring and career coaching to consider and achieve their professional goals using various strategies:

1) Individual Development Plan using SMART goals

2) Regular one-on-one meetings with PI

3) Interview prep if relevant

4) Formal discussions with the lab as a group

5) Presentation opportunities to present to the lab, collaborators, and the department

Interested applicants meeting these qualifications should apply online as well as to submit a cover letter and CV directly to gmuller at luc.edu

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

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

NA

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

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.

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.

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