The department/the iPSC facility:
We are looking for a highly motivated Research Technician, who will be working in our iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) facility which is a subgroup within the Department of Hematopoiesis. The Department of Hematopoiesis, contains several research groups that study hematopoietic stem cells support by mesenchymal stromal cells, T-cell differentiation and activation, and the molecular mechanisms that control megakaryopoiesis and erythropoiesis. At the iPSC facility we routinely generate and differentiate various hematopoietic/blood cell types. We have a close collaboration with the research groups within the Department, with multiple external research teams and organizations creating a multidisciplinary environment within our facility.

What you will do
Within the iPSC facility we use iPSCs as models to study hematopoiesis in health and disease. In addition, we aim to use iPSCs as starting material to produce hematopoietic effector or progenitor cells that will eventually be used for transfusion or transplantation purposes. Within the iPSC facility, we reprogram somatic cells from healthy and patient material using various ways to introduce the reprogramming factors (e.g. episomal, Sendai, lentiviral). We characterize and maintain these iPSC lines on various matrices and develop specific protocols to differentiate iPSC to hematopoietic lineages. As a Research technician you will be embedded into the facility where you will support research projects and the daily tasks of the iPSC facility (e.g. material ordering, aliquoting, training co-workers etc.). The major research project that you will be involved aims to differentiate functional red blood cells from iPSC to be used in a clinical study. Given the size of this project you will often share the work with multiple researchers and technicians, thus you are the excellent candidate if you are able to work both independently but also as a team-player sharing workload. Besides this project, you will execute iPSC- generation, maintenance, characterization and cryobanking and you might support other iPSC related research projects. The position includes extensive iPSC culturing, where you will gain knowledge on various iPSC related techniques, such as iPSC generation, iPSC characterization, 2D and 3D maintenance and differentiation to multi-lineages. The position also involves molecular biology (RNA, DNA work), viral- and fluorescence-based techniques.

• a minimum of higher laboratory certificate (HLO) in cell biology or a related discipline;
• a maximum of Master’s degree;
• experience in iPSC handling will be a competitive advantage;
• an independent, responsible and team-oriented candidate;
• good communication and writing skills in English.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

• challenging project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic international team;
• temporary position (project duration of 2 years );
• salary and conditions are conform CAO Sanquin;
• 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);
• at fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

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 involved in blood transfusion medicine- and immunology- related research. The research is performed by a dedicated staff and it is focused around four medical priorities: 1. Anemia, 2. Bleeding and Hemostasis, 3. Immunity and Inflammation, and 4. Immunotherapy. Sanquin’s research portfolio is divided into strategic research (ranging from basic to applied and clinical research) and product- and process development. 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.