A postdoc position in CAR NK cell development

This project is part of a program to develop a solid base to develop therapeutic options for additional cancer treatment of solid tumors. It consists of a collaboration between different groups within Sanquin, making optimal use of NK cell knowledge, culture experience and CAR technology that will be combined in a joint cellular immunotherapy program against cancer. The research group in which the position is available, has both experience and tools to study this process on CAR technology and NK cell biology. Apart from close collaboration on the mechanisms of culture, expansion and NK cell killing we also collaborate with colleagues at the Netherlands Cancer Institute to advance the right technological steps toward targeting susceptible tumors in ex-vivo tissue and future in-vivo approaches.

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 four medical priorities: 1. Anemia, 2. Bleeding and Hemostasis, 3. Cellular Immunotherapy, 4. Inflammation and Immunity. Sanquin’s research portfolio is divided into strategic research (ranging from basic to applied and clinical research) and product- and process development.

The Innate Immunity group

You will be based at Sanquin, a renowned research institute that harbors several research groups that study hematology, immunology and cellular therapies, providing a solid and capable critical mass. Moreover, there is a close collaboration between the innate immunity and immunotherapy groups on NK cells within the research program.

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. As a leading research institute in the field of cellular immunology Sanquin offers a postdoctoral position under good supervision in a scientifically oriented setting with unique expertise in cellular therapy development.

What you will do

As a full member of our Innate Immunity Group you will further develop current culture and test systems to determine the mechanisms of boosting cytotoxicity to improve NK cell-derived cytotoxicity against target cells.

Our expertise on innate immunity and the many functional assays available will be combined with NK cell knowledge on culture and expansion. The functional findings of the work on generating potent CAR NK cells may bear immediate relevance to acute off-the shelf treatment in oncological patients as our ultimate goal together with our wide network of collaborators.

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with good communication skills and an affinity with translational research

A PhD degree in biology, (bio)molecular/biomedical/pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent.

• some experience in molecular biology will be a competitive advantage;
• an independent, responsible and team-oriented candidate;
• good communication and writing skills in English.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

Our offer

• a challenging translational project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic (inter)national team;
• temporary position (project duration of 3 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);
• at fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

Learn more about our terms of employment at https://www.sanquin.org/working-at/who-we-are/employment-conditions.

More info

Information can be obtained from Robin van Bruggen, r.vanbruggen@sanquin.nl, 06-12633696 and Taco Kuijpers, 020-5123343. 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 send your application accompanied by a cover letter (in English) before the 12th of May 2024. 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 unsolicited help from agencies for vacancies. CV's sent (in any form whatsoever) by placement agencies to any Sanquin employee without a valid written assignment by HR Sanquin will be considered property of Sanquin for which no compensation is owed in any way..