Within our research-team that focuses on bleeding and hemostasis we are now looking for one early and one mid-career group leader and 2 postdocs for our gene therapy programs. In addition we have vacancies for one mid-career PI and 2 PhD candidates for our platelet biology and rare bleeding disorders program. These new colleagues are expected to contribute to the following projects.

1. Gene therapy program Sanquin. The gene therapy group within Sanquin focuses on further improvement of the quality of life of patients with hematological disorder. In our program we focus on AAV-mediated gene therapy for liver disorders. Within the context of an Eurostars and Health Holland funded grant we employ capsid engineering to further improve the targeting efficacy and reduce the reactivity with pre-existing neutralizing antibodies of the current generation of gene therapy vectors. For these projects we will are looking for two postdocs with experience in AAV mediated gene therapy. In a separate line of research we aim to establish non-viral approaches for in vivo targeting of hematopoietic stem cells. For this program we are looking for a postdoc or junior group leader with experience in nanoparticle mediated gene delivery as well as gene-editing. The mid-career PI we are recruiting is expected to contribute to both programs and preferably has experience with both viral and non-viral based gene delivery technologies.
2. Platelet biology and rare bleeding disorder program. Within the platelet biology group of Sanquin we aim to dissect critical biological pathways involved in the production of platelets from bone marrow localized megakaryocytes. For these studies we utilize a wide range of technologies composed of advanced imaging and mass spectrometry based technologies. The ultimate goal of the platelet biology program is to improve our understanding of platelet biology which allows for a better understanding of the mode of action and potential limitations of the current generation of platelet concentrates. In addition our studies also support the ex vivo generation of tailor-made platelets from induced pluripotent stem cells. The rare bleeding disorder program aims to further improve the current diagnosis of rare bleeding disorders and bleeding disorders of unknown cause employing “omics” based technologies. These studies are facilitated by the presence of recently developed platform for mass spectrometry based profiling of samples derived from patients with as yet undefined bleeding disorders.

We anticipate the newly recruited scientists to contribute with their unique expertise, complementing our existing research portfolio. This includes inflammation and complement research, genetic and cellular approaches to correct and cure hematological disorders, as well as translational bioinformaticians with proven expertise to successfully integrate clinical and large “omics” based profiling data-sets in the area of transfusion medicine.

We offer an international - academically oriented - research environment with state of-the-art equipment. You will have the opportunity to apply for internal and external funding to expand your group and if successful to apply for a permanent position as group leader.

• A challenging translational project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic international team;
• 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.

Beyond your own salary and ample bench fee, we offer a PhD student for the junior group leader and a PhD student and part-time technician for the mid career group leader. The early career fellowship will be funded for three years and the mid career fellowship for four years.

Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation uniquely combines medical, diagnostic, blood bank and research activities. With 2,000 committed colleagues and 345,000 blood donors, we aim to provide a better life for 300,000 patients each year.

The Division of Research and Lab Services of Sanquin is home to 250 researchers, including over 60 PhD students. Research at Sanquin is organized in four strategic themes: Anemia, Bleeding & Hemostasis, Immunity & Inflammation, and Immune Therapy. The joint mission of research at Sanquin is to invent novel methods and approaches using blood cells and blood products to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure disease in donors and patients. Research activities cover the full spectrum of early inventions, development into novel products and services, donor studies, and clinical studies in patients.

Our research labs are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including flow cytometry and cell sorting, macromolecular mass spectrometry and proteomics, and imaging. Many of our scientists have academic affiliations with Dutch Universities and University Medical Centers. Sanquin is strategically located in Amsterdam, with a special tie to the AmsterdamUMC (Joint Landsteiner Laboratory).