Sanquin Research, in collaboration with the Pediatric Hematology and Hematology departments of the Amsterdam University Medical Center, is looking for two PhD students for a project addressing blood transfusion in patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

What you will do
Providing safe transfusion products is the core business of Sanquin. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy, Transfusions are a cornerstone of treatment of patients with SCD and may be administered incidentally, such as for acute complications, or periodically in order to prevent complications such as stroke or other acute SCD-related complications.
There is a large interindividual variation between patients in survival of transfused RBCs . Very little is known about the mechanisms causing this variability in donor RBC survival in SCD patients. This project aims to improve our understanding of RBC survival as this may provide novel targets for therapeutic strategies to improve the survival of transfused RBCs. This will be done by  investigating the determinants of the survival of donor RBCs in SCD patients within  two closely related projects, one with an experimental focus on the innate immune system of patients with SCD, including molecular biology, fluorescence-based techniques and extensive cell culture and the other with a translational clinical focus.  We are looking for two highly motivated candidates, one with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline, and a Medical Doctor. Both PhD students will be embedded into the Graduate School of the Amsterdam UMC (location AMC).

We are looking for two enthusiastic researchers with good communication skills and an affinity with the Sickle Cell Disease patient group

• a candidate with a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.
• a Medical doctor (Master degree in Medicine)
• experience in the subject will be a competitive advantage;
• an independent, responsible and team-oriented candidate;
• good communication and writing skills in English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Our offer

• a challenging fundamental translational project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic international team; 
• A temporary appointment for a period of 4 years;
• Salary and employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) at Sanquin;
• a full time contract of 36 hours per week;
• reimbursement of travel expenses;
• 8,33% end-of-year bonus and 8,33% holiday allowance;
• 201 vacation hours on the basis of full-time employment;
• Working hours will be determined on the basis of mutual agreement.

Sanquin

The mission of Sanquin is: “Together with the donor we ensure a better life for patients”. Sanquin is a knowledge-driven not-for-profit organization that supplies life-saving products and services, as well as blood transfusion medicine- and immunology- related research. The research is performed by a dedicated staff and it is focused around five medical needs: 1. Anemia, 2. Bleeding and Hemostasis, 3. Cancer, 4. Immune deficiency and Aging, 5. Vascular and Inflammatory diseases. Sanquin’s research portfolio is divided into strategic research (ranging from basic to applied and clinical research) and product- and process development.

Molecular Hematology

You will be based in the Department of Molecular Hematology at Sanquin which harbors several research groups that study hematology, coagulation and immunology, providing a solid and capable critical mass. In addition, Sanquin provides a lively, internationally oriented, scientific environment with excellent facilities. We also organize weekly scientific meetings, journal clubs and work discussions to gain scientific input and to exchange knowledge. 
We offer an interesting PhD trajectory under good supervision in a scientifically oriented setting. Sanquin is a leading research institute in the field of hematology and immunology. The Amsterdam University Medical Center is an extremely versatile university medical center where research, education and patient care are brought together.