A PhD position on investigating the development and function of red blood cell subsets.
Sanquin Research, is looking for a PhD student for a project addressing the development of different subpopulations of red blood cells.
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 blood transfusion medicine- and immunology- related research. The research is performed by a dedicated staff and it is focused around five medical needs:
1. Anemia;
2. Bleeding and Hemostasis;
3. Cancer;
4. Immune deficiency and Aging;
5. Vascular and Inflammatory diseases.
Sanquin’s research portfolio is divided into strategic research (ranging from basic to applied and clinical research) and product- and process development.
The department
You will be based in the Department of Molecular Hematology at Sanquin which harbors several research groups that study hematology, coagulation and immunology, providing a solid and capable critical mass. In addition, Sanquin provides a lively, internationally oriented, scientific environment with excellent facilities. We also organize weekly scientific meetings, journal clubs and work discussions to gain scientific input and to exchange knowledge.
We offer an interesting PhD trajectory under good supervision in a scientifically oriented setting. Sanquin is a leading research institute in the field of hematology and immunology
What you will do
Studying phenotypical and functional heterogeneity between blood cells of the same lineage is becoming increasingly important to understand their behavior within physiologic and pathologic context. Red blood cells (RBCs) display considerable heterogeneity in blood group and antigen expression, however, functional differences between these RBC subtypes have not been described. We have obtained evidence that RBCs are indeed functionally heterogenous, which has strong implications for their roles in transfusion medicine, coagulation and immune-related phenomena. Thus, there are different subsets of mature RBCs, that in analogy to the recently described subsets in other hematopoietic cells such as neutrophils, behave differently in biological processes. In this project we will identify the different RBC subsets in healthy individuals, determine the molecular mechanisms that drive their differentiation and study their phenotypic and functional differences.
Your profile
We are looking for:
- An enthusiastic candidate with a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline;
- Good communication skills;
- Experience in the subject will be a competitive advantage;
- An independent, responsible and team-oriented candidate;
- Good communication and writing skills in English.
Our offer
- A challenging fundamental translational project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic international team;
- Temporary position (project duration of 4 years);
- 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) Sanquin contributes 65%;
- At fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.
You can find more information about our terms of employment at
www.sanquin.org/working-at/who-we-are/employment-conditions.
More info
Information can be obtained from Dr. Robin van Bruggen,
r.vanbruggen@sanquin.nl, 06-12633696. Does this vacancy trigger you, do you recognize yourself in this profile? Please send us your motivation letter (explaining why this specific position is interesting for you, how would your skillset fit this research), together with your curriculum vitae both in English.
Please note that we will only process applications from candidates who have a valid work permit for the EU. 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 send 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.