The position:

The technician will support a post-doc who will study the modulatory effect of tolDC on human B cells (naïve and memory) in in vitro assays. Since B cell responses in vivocan either develop in a T cell-dependent or a T cell-independent manner, in vitroassays reflecting both situations will be used to investigate the effect of tolDC. This work will focus on primary cell culture of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, T cell and B cells. Effects on B cell differentiation, antibody production and isotype switch will be analysed using multi-colour flowcytometry (phenotype, proliferation, class switch), ELISA (antibody level and isotype) and/or single cell RNAseq analyses.

Research group
The B cell Research group specialises in research on the regulation of human T cell-dependent B cell differentiation into antibody secreting cells and memory cells. We investigate the role of antigen, Thelper skewing and B-T cell interactions in the B cell differentiation process using B and T cell differentiation assays, deep B and T cell profiling, single cell RNA seq and BCR repertoire analyses. We combine this with direct ex vivoinvestigation of antigen-specific B and T cell differentiation upon in vivo antigen exposure (infection, therapeutic blood products or vaccination). The group is part of the Department of Immunopathology in the Division Research of Sanquin. The department comprises 40-50 people (postdocs, PhD-students, undergraduate students and technicians) that all work on related research topics.

• a motivated and passionate candidate with affinity for research in human cellular immunology;
• a bachelor degree (HLO) in life sciences or equivalent;
• experience with primary cell cultures and flowcytometry is a pre;
• work independently as well as in a team
• good command of written and spoken English;
• good communication skills

Fixed-term contract: at least 2 years.

We offer a unique research opportunity in a dynamic environment in an area where data science, clinical epidemiology and quality management meet.

In addition:

• Challenging project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team;
• Temporary position for the duration of at least 2 years; 36 hours a week;
• Participation in an international consortium;
• Salary and conditions are conform CAO (Collective Labour Agreement) Sanquin;
• 8,33% end-of-year bonus; and 8,33% holiday allowance;
• partial reimbursement of travel costs;
• pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW);
• at fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

About 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 involved in blood transfusion medicine- and immunology- related research