We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate to investigate the humoral immune response against therapeutic proteins. Unwanted antidrug antibody responses limit the therapeutic potential of many biopharmaceuticals. In this project, we want to  identify the B cells involved in these immune responses and investigate methods to target these cells. In collaboration with rheumatologists, we will investigate the immune response to the TNF inhibitor adalimumab, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug that elicits an antibody response in a subset of treated patients. Techniques will include isolation, phenotypic analysis and culturing of antigen-specific single B cells.

• PhD in biomedical sciences;
• experience with FACS and human cell culture;
• knowledge of antibodies;
• experience with recombinant protein expression and purification is a pro;
• interest in applied and translational science;
• good command of written and spoken English;
• ability to work independently as well as team player. 

• challenging project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team;
• salary and conditions are conform CAO Sanquin;
• temporary position for the duration of one year;
• 8,33% end-of-year bonus; i.e. a thirteenth month in case of full-year employment;
• partial reimbursement of travel costs;
• pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW);
• a fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

Sanquin

For more information on 'Research at Sanquin' please watch this video which is accessible via this link. 

Research group
The Immunoglobulin Research group is part of the Department of Immunopathology. We investigate structural and functional properties of antibodies and B cells with the aim of understanding their role in immunological processes as well as their therapeutic application. The department comprises 40-45 people (postdocs, PhD-students, undergraduate students and technicians) that all work on related research topics.

We collaborate closely with the division Diagnostics, which offers a range of assays for immunogenicity testing and therapeutic drug monitoring of monoclonal therapeutics. Furthermore, we collaborate extensively with clinicians to investigate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity of monoclonal antibodies.