Synapse Research Institute and the Laboratory of Hematology of the Radboudumc collaborate in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis. Hemostasis is a tightly regulated system, and a disbalance in this system can cause thrombosis on one side, whereas bleeding can occur on the other. Both of these pathological processes can lead to serious complications, morbidity and mortality.

In this specific PhD project, a novel hemostasis assay (plasmin generation) will be validated in vitro in coagulation factor deficient plasma and in three distinct patient groups from the Hemophilia Treatment Center of the Radboudumc. As a PhD candidate you will define and analyze essential laboratory characteristics of thrombin generation and plasmin generation tests and will integrate these assays together with diagnostic tests through dynamic modelling and Artificial Intelligence. The ultimate goals is to better predict the bleeding phenotype of these patients and improving patient care.

You will be working together in a team with a colleague (clinical) PhD student in order to clinically validate these tests, and with private (Synapse) as well as public (Radboudumc) partners. You will be appointed at the Synapse Research Institute, you will be situated at the Radboudumc.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Analysis of thrombin and plasmin generation.
• Develop and validate thrombin and plasmin dynamics analysis.
• Conduct systematic searches in literature databases.
• Writing scientific publications for international journals.
• Presenting results at (scientific) meetings.
• Collaborating with promoters, supervisors and internal and external partners.
• Participate in education.

In addition, PhD students contribute to general scientific activities taking place within the laboratory of hematology and within the research institute.

You are a PhD candidate with a keen interest in hemostasis and laboratory testing. You have the ambition to pursue the application of diagnostic opportunities to improve patient care. You are also proactive in your efforts to approach this research project from multiple angles, and you have excellent communication skills to establish (novel) cooperations as well as eminent writing skills to communicate your findings with the (academic) society.

Moreover you have:

• Finished a master in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or a related master.
• Experience in molecular biology, pathobiology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics.
• Languages: preferably fluent in Dutch and English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Starting date is April 1st 2024. You will be appointed at the Synapse Research Institute, you will be situated at the Radboudumc.

As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€2,901 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3,677 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. You can also share knowledge with colleagues through digital learning spaces – perfect for getting inspired and inspiring others.
• Your well-being and vitality are our priorities. For instance, you can enjoy a 40% discount on a sports subscription at the Radboud Sports Center along with access to the Healthy Professionals program designed to assist you in managing your energy. If you are going through a life-changing event, our Company Support Team and a personal coach are there to help you.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. This includes advice and training courses (from ‘Millennial Dilemmas’ to ‘Your Career After 57’), activities at our own mindfulness center, and informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• 224 holiday hours per year based on a 38-hour working week. The option of taking national holidays at other times of the year.
• 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid.
• An allowance for your travel expenses.

Radboudumc

At the Laboratory of Hematology, section of Thrombosis and Hemostasis in the department of laboratory medicine, we are responsible for laboratory diagnostics for patients with hemostatic disorders. We conduct research in the entire spectrum of fundamental, translational and applied science to ultimately improve treatment of our (academic) patient population, including patients of the Hemophilia Treatment Center Nijmegen-Eindhoven-Maastricht (HBC-NEM). Furthermore, we provide education on hemostasis.

Synapse Research Institute
Synapse research Institute is a not-for-profit research institute with its ultimate goal to diagnose and prevent episodes of bleeding and thrombosis. Synapse is originally a spinoff from the University of Maastricht but has become a private research institute in 2009. Synapse Research Institute is seen worldwide as one of the most innovative institutes in the field of hemostasis diagnostics and is the founder of calibrated thrombin generation, calibrated plasmin generation and many more.

Synapse Research Institute hosts many academically trained personnel from technician up to Professors and has supervised over 20 PhD students to obtain their doctor’s degree. Synapse Research Institute is also a training center where scientists from all over the world visit to learn new techniques that were founded within Synapse.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.