A PhD position in neutrophil immunology

Job Information

Organisation/Company: Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation (Sanquin)
Research Field: Physics
Medical sciences
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country: Netherlands
Application Deadline: 30 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Not Applicable
Hours Per Week: 36.0
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

The focus will be on understanding Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET) formation, with a focus on its meaning in inflammatory disease. Although the scientific literature on this theme is full of supposed associations of NETs and mechanisms of disease, in reality there is little known about the cellular principles as to how these extraordinary cells extrude their DNA as a final ‘moment of glory’.

Our research group has extensive experience and tools to study this process in great detail and elucidate the mechanisms involved to advance the field and target the steps of NET formation by drug discovery.

What you will do

As a member of our Neutrophil Group you will further develop current test systems to determine the mechanisms of NET formation, the key elements to block the process and hence avoid collateral tissue damage. The presumed effects of neutrophil-derived DNA are initiation of complement activation and coagulation as well as cell death of tissue cells, which are suggested mechanisms involved in acute organ damage in patients.

Our expertise on innate immunity and the many functional neutrophil assays available will be combined in this project with plasma proteomics to elucidate the possible key factors involved. The ultimate goal is to find means to inhibit NET formation. The functional findings of the work may bear immediate relevance to acute organ damage and forms of vascular damage, as we will further explore within our wide network of collaborators.

Requirements

Specific Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with good communication skills and an affinity with translational research.

A master 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.

We offer a PhD position under good supervision in a scientifically oriented setting with unique expertise in innate immunity and tissue damage. Sanquin is a leading research institute in the field of hematology and immunology.

Additional Information

Benefits

Our offer

A challenging translational project in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic international team;
Temporary position (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;
Pension plan with Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn (PFZW);
At fulltime employment (36 hours) 201 hours of leave per annum.

Selection process

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 26th of March 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..

Additional comments

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.