Are you interested in pursuing a PhD at the interface between clinical and fundamental research? Do you aspire to apply the latest technologies in mass spectrometry-based research to answer both fundamental as well as clinical questions related to blood platelets? Then consider applying for this fundamental PhD position in a unique twin PhD project!

Project
Babies that are born prematurely often receive platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding. In this research project we will gain fundamental insight into the function and activation pathways of adult and neonatal platelets and investigate why platelet transfusions can lead to adverse effects in premature babies and how we can improve our transfusion guidelines for this vulnerable population. 

As fundamental PhD student, you will use mass spectrometry-based proteomics to get a full understanding on the function and activation of blood platelets, investigate developmental hemostasis in premature babies, and you will investigate the effects of platelet transfusions on hemostasis in premature babies with and without bleeding. You will work closely together with a clinical PhD student and will be supervised by an interdisciplinary group of researchers including fundamental researchers, neonatologists, clinical epidemiologists and data scientists. 

• A MSc degree in chemistry, biology, (bio)molecular/biomedical/pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent.
• Experience and interest in cell biology. 
• Experience in quantitative (prote)omics, data statistics, bioinformatics, and data reporting/visualization is an advantage.
• Demonstrable affinity for translational research.
• Good communication and writing skills in English.
• The ability to work independently, but also as part of a multinational, interdisciplinary team.
• Problem-solving skills and capability to apply knowledge and experience to address complex challenges.

Fixed-term contract: 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 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

Sanquin provides blood services in the Netherlands on a not-for-profit basis. Sanquin is the knowledge institute in the field of blood, and conducts scientific research in the fields of blood transfusion medicine and immunology, applying this knowledge to the development and production of a range of pharmaceutical and diagnostic services.

Laboratory of Proteomics and the Center for Clinical Transfusion Research

This program is a collaboration between the Laboratory of Proteomics and the Center for Clinical Transfusion Research within Sanquin Research. We are passionate about bringing bed and bench together, and believe that interdisciplinary research leads to more creativity, innovation and scientific discoveries. We have close working relationships with the Neonatology Departments of the Leiden University Medical Center and Amsterdam University Medical Center. 

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.

The Center for Clinical Transfusion Research coordinates the patient oriented research of Sanquin Blood Supply, which encompasses patient oriented research activities of the research department of Clinical Transfusion Research, headed by Johanna (Anske) van der Bom and of the unit Transfusion Medicine, headed by Vera Novotny. The mission of the Center for Clinical Transfusion Research is to produce and distribute the best quality knowledge on the practice of transfusion medicine and by doing so to optimize the care for the individual patient that needs blood products or cell therapy.