PhD candidate Post-Donation Iron Recovery in Blood Donors

Apply now
10 days remaining

PhD candidate Post-Donation Iron Recovery in Blood Donors

Deadline Published on Vacancy ID 998602
Apply now
10 days remaining

Academic fields

Health

Job types

PhD; Research, development, innovation

Education level

University graduate

Weekly hours

36 hours per week

Location

Plesmanlaan, 1066 CX, Amsterdam

View on Google Maps

Job description

Are you passionate about scientific research that makes a direct societal impact? Join this exciting project to investigate iron and red blood cell (RBC) recovery after whole blood donation, focusing on potential genetic determinants. Your work will contribute to evidence-based policymaking for a sustainable blood supply.

We are seeking a curious, well-organized, and resilient researcher with strong analytical skills and experience in genetic epidemiology to undertake this ambitious PhD project at Sanquin Research and the Amsterdam UMC Department of Public and Occupational Health. The PhD degree is to be obtained at the University of Amsterdam.

The project:
Post-Donation Iron Recovery in Blood Donors: Personalizing Donations via Genetics, Lifestyle, and Menstrual Factors.

Frequent whole blood donations can deplete iron stores, potentially impairing recovery from subsequent donations and increasing the risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Individual differences in iron uptake, recycling, and storage likely contribute to variations in the optimal donation intervals among donors. Factors such as genetics, menstrual blood loss, and dietary iron intake play key roles in these differences.

The objectives of this project are:
  • To examine post-donation changes in iron and RBC parameters across donor subgroups;
  • To determine the impact of genetic variants on these changes, enhancing prediction models for iron deficiency and/or low hemoglobin (Hb);
  • To evaluate the additional influence of individual donor characteristics—such as Hb and ferritin levels, dietary iron intake, menopausal status, menstrual blood loss, environmental factors, and smoking—on these prediction models.

The insights gained will inform donor iron management algorithms and guide evidence-based policy development to optimize donor care and safeguard blood supply sustainability.

As a PhD candidate on this multidisciplinary scientific project, your responsibilities will include:
  • Conducting advanced statistical analyses of longitudinal data to investigate post-donation iron recovery and its relationship with individual donor factors;
  • Developing and refining prediction models for iron deficiency and low hemoglobin (Hb);
  • Effectively communicating research findings to stakeholders at Sanquin, through scientific conferences, social media, and other platforms;
  • Producing a dissertation comprised of a series of articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

The research team:
The project is a collaborative effort between Sanquin and the Amsterdam UMC. Sanquin Research's Donor Studies is an internationally renowned center specializing in epidemiological and data science research focused on donor health. Your primary employment will be with Sanquin in Amsterdam, complemented by a hospitality appointment at the Amsterdam UMC.

The Iron Expertise Center for disorders of iron metabolism is a leading institution dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with iron metabolism abnormalities. It conducts advanced research into diseases affecting iron regulation. Recently, this national center transitioned from Radboudumc to Sanquin, further solidifying its role as a key hub for expertise in the field and increasing its focus on donor iron management.

We are looking for:
We are seeking highly motivated applicants with excellent training at the MSc level in fields such as data modeling and optimization, including (genetic) epidemiology, bioinformatics, mathematics, mathematical biology, data science, or (bio)statistics. A Research Master’s program background is preferred. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills essential for the project, along with proficiency in advanced data analysis and adaptability in working with various analytical software packages. Outstanding communication skills and sensitivity are crucial to ensure seamless integration of research findings into practical applications.

We offer:
  • Salary and conditions are conforming 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);
  • Fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum;
  • Collective agreements with various insurers;
  • Pension accrual with the Pension Fund for Care and Welfare. We contribute 65%.

You can find more information about our terms of employment at www.sanquin.org/working-at/who-we-are/employment-conditions.

More information:
Does this vacancy trigger you and do you recognize yourself in this profile? We would like to receive your letter of application, accompanied by curriculum vitae, list of grades and contact details of at least two references before March 1st. Please note that, after pre-selection of applications, we will follow a two-step procedure, i.e. 1) an interview followed by 2) a presentation based on the research proposal for selected candidates. A pre-employment screening will be part of the onboarding procedure.

Acquisition is not appreciated. Sanquin does not accept unrequested help from agencies for this vacancy. CV's (in whatever shape or form) that are sent by agencies to any employee of Sanquin without a written assignment, will be considered property of Sanquin and Sanquin will therefore not owe compensation in any way.
Apply now
10 days remaining