Vacancy Research Technician 'molecular mechanisms of iron recycling in health and anemia of inflammation'

Job description

To improve treatment and diagnosis of anemia of inflammation, there is a need to better understand how anemia of inflammation actually develops. Are you the enthusiastic Research Technician we are looking for to lead the implementation and management of different in vivo experiments in this project? We would like to get to know you! 

Anemia of inflammation, also referred to as anemia of chronic disease, develops in conditions in which systemic inflammation is present. In these highly prevalent conditions, a combination of decreased production of red blood cells (RBCs) and a reduced lifespan of circulating RBCs together lead to the development of a mild to moderately severe anemia. 
 
In this project you as a technician will focus on setting up several in vivo models reflecting anemia of inflammation as in humans to be able to dissect the processes contributing to the development of the disease. For this purpose you will make use of mouse models of anemia of inflammation, i.e. with and without the scavenger receptor for the hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex and hemopexin-heam. 

As a in vivo research technician your responsibilities will involve:

• Assisting and performing in vivo handling: perform routine husbandry for assigned specific pathogen free (SPF) in vivo lines.
• Train and supervise new personal on in vivo experiments.
• Colony Management: Assist on establishing, maintaining, breeding and maintaining different lines.
• Supervise activities on welfare, registration and book-keeping.

Place of work

During your appointment you will be based at Sanquin, location Plesmanlaan in Amsterdam, which harbors several research groups that study iron metabolism, red blood cell clearance and immunology, providing a solid and capable critical mass. In addition, Sanquin provides a lively, internationally oriented, scientific environment with excellent facilities. We organize weekly scientific meetings, journal clubs and work discussions to gain scientific input and to exchange knowledge. 

As technician you will be working in the laboratory of Matlung/Swinkels | Iron Research lab within the Medical Priority Anemia at Sanquin. This research group started in 2021 and builds upon the previous extensive work and experience of Prof Swinkels in the Radboudumc in the field of research on iron disorders. 

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.

The joint mission of research at Sanquin is to discover novel methods and approaches using blood cells and blood products to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure disease in donors and patients. Research activities cover the full spectrum of early discoveries, development into novel products and services, donor studies, and clinical studies in patients.

Profile

You are an independent and proactive Research Technician. Besides that you are responsible and team-oriented. You have good organization skills and demonstrate flexibility. You also have good communication and writing skills in English.

Furthermore, you recognize yourself in the profile below:

• A minimum of higher laboratory certificate (hlo) or a Master’s degree in cell biology or a related discipline.
• Either an Article 9 or 12 certificate.
• At least one year of related experience.
• Experience with flow cytometry, mass spectometry and different molecular techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, etc.) will be considered a strong competitive advantage.
• Prior experience in hematology will also be a competitive advantage.

Employment conditions

Your place of work will be Sanquin in Amsterdam. You will be employed at Radboud university medical center. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon previous work experience and education, a gross monthly salary between € 2.975 and € 4.816 (scale 7M or 8M) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• From 1 July 2025 an increase in salary with 3%.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.40 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 14 April 2025. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews takes place in May 2025.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc of Sanquin? Then send an email to Dorine Swinkels, Professor of Clinical Chemistry. Use the Apply button to submit your application.