What you will do

Within the SCB group, we aim to use different models to generate hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro. These cells will then be used to study hematopoiesis (in healthy and disease settings), but our ultimate goal is to provide cells for bone marrow transplantation purposes.

We will employ several different techniques to characterize these HSCs, evaluating their genetic traits (using state-of-the-art omics analysis) but also their functionality (capacity to self-renewal and generate different mature blood populations).

As a Research technician your responsibilities will involve:

• Perform routine husbandry for assigned specific pathogen free (SPF) lines at our facility;
• Performing experiments: Establishing and performing procedures (stem cell/bone marrow transplantation, peripheral blood collection, tissue harvest, etc.);
• Supervise activities of the experiments, registration and book-keeping;
• The position is strongly multidisciplinary, involving different techniques (PCR, flow cytometry, imaging) and also administrative/supervision work (coordinate experiments, book-keeping).

Your profile

• Knowledge of safety processes;
• A minimum of higher laboratory certificate (HLO) or a Master’s degree in cell biology or a related discipline;
• Hold either an Article 9, 10 or 12 certificate of the Dutch Experiments;
• Two years of related experience including six months of related working experience;
• Experience with Flow Cytometry and different molecular techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, Western Blotting, etc.) will be a competitive advantage;
• Prior experience in hematology will also be a competitive advantage;
• An independent, proactive, responsible and team-oriented candidate;
• Good organization skills and flexibility;
• Good communication and writing skills in English.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Our offer

• Challenging projects in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic international team;
• Temporary position (project duration of 4 years). We start with a year contract;
• Salary and conditions are conforming CAO Sanquin;
• 8,3% 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);
• 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. The research is performed by a dedicated staff and it is focused around four medical priorities: Anemia, Bleeding and Hemostasis, Infection and Immunity and Immunotherapy.

Sanquin’s research portfolio is divided into strategic research (ranging from basic to applied and clinical research) and product/process development. We are currently looking for a highly motivated Research Technician, who will be working in different projects focusing on Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) providing general support for several in vivo experiments which are related to stem cell transplantation, small cirurgical procedures and also manage logistics and record-keeping.

Stem Cell Biology (SCB) laboratory

You will be based primarily in the medical priority Anemia, which contains several research groups that are interested in a wide range of blood-related topics – from understanding the biology underlying bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells, T-cell differentiation/activation and the molecular mechanisms that control HSC homeostasis, megakaryopoiesis and erythropoiesis.

The Stem Cell Biology (SCB) laboratory is the one of the newest addition to the priority, and focusses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that are required for HSC identity. We use different models to study HSC biology including protocols for induced-Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC)-derived material. In order to address our research questions we routinely employ cell culture techniques, flow cytometry, bioinformatics and we are currently establishing image-based techniques as well.

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.