Within the Laboratory of Proteomics at the department of Molecular and Cellular Hemostasis we have 3 open positions available for PhD students/post-docs to gain fundamental insight in critical interactions that underlie the interplay between plasma proteins, circulating blood cells and the vasculature.

Proteomic landscape of blood cell generation
(postdoc 3 years or PhD student 4 years)

To enable the next step in the ex vivo generation of blood cells, in-depth insight is required into the molecular mechanisms that drive the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells towards specific blood cell types. Current knowledge is mainly focused on transcriptional changes. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that translation of RNA into protein is a highly regulated and cell-type specific process and that transcriptomics poorly reflects the functional protein units. Therefore, to overcome current roadblocks in the advancement of the field of personalized medicine, it is of prime importance to study the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into functional blood cells at the proteomic level. In this project you will generate a proteomics-based protein expression atlas of the entire hematopoietic landscape. This study is multi-faceted: not only serving scientific interest, but also providing a gold standard for i) quality assessment of novel cellular products, ii) development of strategies to improve ex vivo blood cell formation and iii) diagnosis of disease-causing blood cell defects and a better understanding of the function of blood cells under normal and pathophysiological conditions.

Cytokine network architecture at the endothelial interface
(PhD student 4 years)

Endothelial cells line the inside of our blood vessels and form a barrier that controls immune cell exit from the circulation to the tissues. To fulfil this role, endothelial cells need to integrate a wide variety of signals from their environment and act accordingly. This is a highly regulated process which is paramount for homeostasis. Misbalance herein has been suggested to underlie multifactorial diseases, including sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and (non)immune-mediated transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). In this project, we will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the intimate interplay between distinct inflammatory signals, the ensuing adaptive endothelial response and the subsequent impact on selective immune cell trafficking. This project will encompass primary endothelial cell culture, proteomics, phospho-proteomics, imaging as well as functional assays probing endothelial barrier function and leukocyte trafficking. Through this project you will provide a system-wide analysis of the effect of microenvironments on the adaptive endothelial response at multi-omic and functional levels.

Targeted plasma proteomics
(post-doc 2 years)

To advance our efforts on targeted proteomics of therapeutic products and clinical plasma samples, we are looking for a post-doc to set up targeted mass spectrometry-based approaches to characterize intermediate therapeutic plasma-derived products and to profile biomarkers in clinical samples to support translational research in the field of transfusion medicine, hematology, immunology & oncology.

• A PhD/MSc degree in chemistry, biology, (bio)molecular/biomedical/pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent;
• Expert proficiency in cell biology techniques, including isolation, characterization and cultivation of primary human (blood) cells;
• Experience in quantitative (prote)omics, data statistics, bioinformatics, and data reporting/visualization is an advantage;
• Problem-solving skills and capability to apply knowledge and experience to address complex challenges;
• Good communication skills in English;
• The capability to work efficiently independently, but also as part of a multinational team. 

Fixed-term contract: 2-4 years.

We offer unique research opportunities in a dynamic environment. Nowhere else in the world you will find an organization that combines medical, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and scientific research under one roof.  In addition to a challenging project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team we offer:

• salary and working conditions conform CAO Sanquin;
• temporary position for the duration of two, three or four years;
• a full time contract of 36 hours per week;
• 8,33% end-of-year bonus;
• 8,33% holiday allowance;
• partial reimbursement of travel expenses;
• pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW);
• collective discounts on various insurances;
• at fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum. 

Sanquin

The Laboratory of Proteomics is embedded in the department of Molecular and Cellular Hemostasis and is a frontrunner in applying state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics within the scientific framework of Sanquin Research. We are a vibrant, international group of 35-40 colleagues (consisting of group leaders, postdocs, PhD students and technicians) that study the various aspects of hemostatic networks. Our department has academic affiliations with high-ranking universities in the Netherlands, such as Utrecht University and the University of Amsterdam. The department’s research program benefits from excellent research facilities, which include the latest technology for biomolecular mass spectrometry, imaging and cell sorting.