Recent developments in the field have shown that coupling of antigens to red blood cells can trigger antigen specific immune tolerance, which can be very useful in the treatment of for example autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, decades of research on alloimmune reactions towards blood group antigens have shown that antigens bound to the red blood cell membrane can also trigger robust immune responses, leading to transfusion reactions.

Within this project you will investigate, with the help of in vivomodels, which factors influence the balance between an immunogenic vs a tolerogenic immune response towards antigens carried by red blood cells.

Consequently, this knowledge will be applied for the development of therapeutic approaches to treat autoimmune diseases, prevent alloimmune reactions towards blood transfusions and to prevent antibody formation against peptide drugs used for the treatments of a wide array of diseases. 

Your profile

• a minimum of a MSc in biomedical sciences, preferably with a specialization in immunology;
• an article 9 certificate and experience in molecular biology will be a competitive advantage;
• an independent, motivated, creative and team-oriented candidate;
• good communication and writing skills in English.

Fixed-term contract: a temporary position in which you obtain a PhD-degree (project duration of 4 years).

Our offer 

• a challenging project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic international team;
• a temporary position in which you obtain a PhD-degree (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;
• a pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW);
• at fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

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 involved in blood transfusion medicine- and immunology- related research. The research is performed by a dedicated staff and it is focused around four research themes: 1. Anemia, 2. Bleeding and Hemostasis, 3. Inflammation and immunity, 4. Immune therapy. Sanquin’s research portfolio is divided into strategic research (ranging from basic to applied and clinical research) and product- and process development. 

Department of Immunohematology and Hematopoiesis

You will be based in the Department of Immunohematology and Hematopoiesis, which contains several research groups that study erythropoiesis, red blood cell biology, T- and B-cell development and alloimmune reactions. Our research group focuses on red cell therapeutics and diagnostics, and has broad knowledge of red cell pathophysiology, erythropoiesis, molecular biology and alloimmune responses towards blood group antigens. 

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 in a supportive environment.