The CTF is looking for a highly motivated operator to perform cell processing and cell expansion procedures in our manufacturing facilities. One part of the work focuses on the clinical manufacturing of autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants for patients with hematological malignancies. This involves cryopreservation of autologous peripheral blood stem cell grafts, immune magnetic CliniMACS selection procedures of stem and immune cell products and preparation of unmanipulated or thawed stem cell products for infusion.

Another substantial part of the work focuses on the clinical exploration of Natural killer (NK) cell therapy against acute myeloid leukemia and ovarian carcinoma. To exploit allogeneic NK cells in cancer therapy, we have developed a GMP-compliant culture system capable of generating clinically applicable NK cell products with high purity and functionality from umbilical cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). Promisingly, our pre-clinical studies demonstrate that myeloid leukemia and ovarian cancer cells are highly susceptible for killing by HPC-NK cells. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that intravenous infusion of HPC-NK cells is safe and well tolerated in poor-prognosis leukemia patients.

In projects financed by KWF, we will explore HPC-NK cell transfer as a novel therapy in refractory myeloid leukemia and recurrent ovarian carcinoma patients. The primary objective is to evaluate safety, toxicity and expansion of transferred UCB-derived ex vivo-generated NK cells in cancer patients. Other objectives are in vivo lifespan, proliferation and functional activity of infused NK cells and preliminary efficacy on disease using various monitoring assays. These clinical studies will be performed in close collaboration with clinicians of the Departments of Gynecology and Hematology. We provide a stimulating work environment within a group of enthusiastic technicians, non-clinical and clinical researchers, with a strong (inter)national network and track record.

Tasks and responsibilities

• The technician contributes to the development of new knowledge within the context of the department's cell therapy program
• Performs cell therapy manufacturing in cleanroom facility
• Performs immunomonitoring research
• Performs biobanking of patient samples
• Independent performance of cellular immunological and flow cytometry assays
• Presentation and discussion of data (written reports, team meetings)
• Translation of research findings to methods, protocols and SOPs.

We are looking for an enthusiastic technician, who in close collaboration with other team members will perform Cell therapy and NK cell manufacturing in cleanroom facilities, immunomonitoring studies, biobanking of patient samples, document and report research results and contribute to scientific publications.

• Hlo degree;
• Affinity with cellular immunological assays;
• Affinity with cell manufacturing in cleanrooms;
• You have ample experience with cell culture, flow cytometry and cellular immunology techniques;
• Affinity with accurate documentation associated with clinical manufacturing;
• Previous experience with cell therapy products is a plus;
• You can work independently, are pro-active, enthousiastic and a team-player.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be a screening based on the provided CV. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

Interested in Cell Therapy for Cancer? Join our cell therapy team and exciting translational immunotherapy research program!

The Cell Therapy Facility (CTF) is one of the subsections of the Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine of the Radboudumc. In the CTF, stem cell transplants, state-of-art immune cell products and other cellular products are made for patients in the Radboudumc. The CTF is JACIE accredited and has access to various cleanrooms that are suitable for the processing of stem cell transplants and the production of advanced cellular therapies. In addition, the CTF contributes to the 'bench-to-bedside' development of innovative advanced cell therapy products in the context of the translational Immunotherapy research program. We focus on the characterization and modulation of immune reactions involved in the antitumor response against cancer.

• Our research program encompasses five intermingled themes:
• Development of novel strategies to boost antitumor immunity for (hematological) malignancies;
• Co-signaling pathways involved in tumor immune escape;
• DC-based vaccination strategies against hematological cancers;
• NK cell-based immunotherapy against leukemia, multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer;
• CAR T cell-based immunotherapy.

Our research is embedded in the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS).

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.