The post-doc at Sanquin will investigate modulatory effects of tolDC on human B cells (naïve and memory) in in vitroassays. Since B cell responses in vivocan either develop in a T cell-dependent or a T cell-independent manner, in vitroassays reflecting both situations will be used to investigate the effect of tolDC.  We aim to study the direct effect of tolDC on B cells as well as indirectly via the effect of tolDC on T cells in B-T cell assays. Specific questions might include 3D cultures to investigate tolDC-T-B cell interactions and migration in a context that resembles in vivo germinal center reactions more closely. Effects on B cell differentiation, antibody isotype switch and short-lived and long-lived plasma cell induction will be analysed using deep profiling via (spectral) flowcytometry (phenotype, proliferation, class switch), ELISA (antibody level and isotype) and/or single cell RNAseq analyses. 

Research group
The B cell Research group specialises in research on the regulation of human T cell-dependent B cell differentiation into antibody secreting cells and memory cells. We investigate the role of antigen, Thelper skewing and B-T cell interactions in the B cell differentiation process using B and T cell differentiation assays, deep B and T cell profiling, single cell RNA seq and BCR repertoire analyses. We combine this with direct ex vivoinvestigation of antigen-specific B and T cell differentiation upon in vivoantigen exposure (infection, therapeutic blood products or vaccination). The group is part of the Department of Immunopathology in the Division Research of Sanquin. The department comprises 40-50 people (postdocs, PhD-students, undergraduate students and technicians) that all work on related research topics.

• PhD in immunology;
• Passion for research in human cellular immunology;
• Experience with primary cell cultures and multi-color flowcytometry;
• Good command of written and spoken English;
• Team player with good communication skills.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

We offer
A unique research opportunity in a dynamic environment in an area where data science, clinical epidemiology and quality management meet.
In addition:

• Challenging project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team;
• Temporary position for the duration of at least 2 years; 36 hours a week;
• Participation in an international consortium;
• Salary and conditions are conform CAO (Collective Labour Agreement) Sanquin;
• 8,33% end-of-year bonus; and 8,33% holiday allowance;
• partial reimbursement of travel costs;
• pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW);
• at fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

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 involved in blood transfusion medicine- and immunology- related research