Post Doctoral Reseach Scholar

Duties and Responsibilities

Dr. David Barefield, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell & Molecular Physiology at Loyola University Chicago, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on several recently funded projects. The Barefield Lab focuses on atrial myopathies, contractile regulation of striated muscle, genetic cardiomyopathies, and the pathophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation. This position will provide the opportunity for the postdoctoral fellow to develop and pursue independent projects during their training.

The Barefield lab uses mouse models and human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocyte models of genetic cardiovascular disease to study contractile biophysics, cellular and whole-heart electrophysiology, in vivo physiology, and molecular and biochemical approaches to study the effect of gene mutations on protein function.

• Candidates must have recently obtained (or will obtain before starting) a PhD from a biomedical research background
• Experience in one or more areas of molecular cardiology, microscopy, tissue culture, biochemistry, mouse physiology, or biophysics
• Enthusiasm and commitment to pursue novel research areas and develop new techniques and approaches
• Team player with an interest in learning to mentor and train other lab members
• Ability to think independently and the initiative to follow new ideas
• Motivation to pursue career development opportunities (e.g. applying for fellowships and awards, promoting your research, networking, etc.)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• The Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology is an open, collaborative, and stimulating research environment with broad expertise including cardiac electrophysiology, cellular biophysics, imaging, aging, and proteomics.
• Training in a variety of super-resolution quantitative microscopy and image analysis techniques, mass spectrometry, use of mouse models and human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocyte disease models, methods to assess cardiac electrophysiology and contractile biophysics
• PI commitment to mentoring and career development opportunities tailored to allow the postdoctoral fellow to transition into their desired career path
• Flexible start date
• Regular opportunities to interact with collaborators at several Chicago research universities, and attendance at local and national scientific society meetings.

• M.D. or PhD Required

• General office suite and willingness to learn lab specific programs

No

Yes

Open Date: 11/11/2025

Position Maximum Salary: $74,088/ann

Position Minimum Salary: $61,008/ann

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…