You will work on an exciting, highly clinically-relevant and basic research project focused on the rare but serious complication of Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), also referred to as Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), which may occur upon vector vaccines for COVID-19.

To gain insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of VITT/TTS, you will have the unique opportunity to investigate several interesting hypotheses regarding the vaccine-induced cellular responses using adenoviral vectors and spike proteins and their immunological effects on presumed key cellular players platelets, endothelial cells and monocytes.

Cellular activation markers, secreted pathogenic factors and immunological pathways will be investigated.

In this position as a research technician you will work in close collaboration with a postdoc with the goal to shed light on this clinically important and timely problem from a laboratory perspective.

Research group and institute
You will work in a research group within the department of Experimental Immunohematology at Sanquin in Amsterdam. Sanquin is a knowledge-driven, not-for-profit organization that supplies life-saving products and services, and is involved in cutting-edge research related to blood transfusion medicine and immunology. The different lines of research are strategically aligned with Sanquin’s mission to provide mechanistic insight into and develop novel therapeutic approaches for blood-related disorders. Furthermore, the highly dynamic research-environment is composed of research group leaders and many postdocs, PhD students and technicians. In addition, Sanquin harbors the national referral center for diagnostics for several immune-mediated disorders including VITT/TTS. This research project will be carried out with support from and in collaboration with Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V.

• A minimum of higher laboratory certificate (HLO) or a Master’s degree in Immunology/Hematology/Cell biology/Life sciences or equivalent education
• Experience with cellular laboratory work and Flow Cytometry
• Good organization skills
• Passion for basic research with translational focus on the interface of immunology/hematology and cell biology
• Ambitious, skilled team player with good communication skills in English

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with possibility of extension for a 2nd year.

• Fixed-term contract as a research technician: 1 year with possibility of extension for a 2nd year
• Challenging and translationally important project in a multi-disciplinary, enthusiastic and ambitious team of (international) researchers
• Excellent research-infrastructure for highly advanced studies
• Salary and conditions are conform Sanquin Collective Labour Agreement