Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher – Towards a Fetal Erythrocyte Transfusion product from iPSC to treat anemia.

Are you passionate about stem cell research? Sanquin Research offers an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our dynamic iPSC facility team, focusing on the generation and functional characterization of red blood cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This ZONMW-funded position will contribute to advancing transfusion-ready cell products through innovative culture systems and comprehensive multi-omics analyses. About the Project

The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary project focused on optimizing the expansion and differentiation of iPSC-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) into mature red blood cells using dynamic culture systems (3D printed bioreactors). The project aims to generate metabolic and transcriptomic maps of iPSC erythropoiesis to guide tailored culture media and supplementation strategies, improving yield and quality, while evaluating scalability of these protocols under dynamic conditions. Functional characterization and benchmarking of the generated iRBCs against native and in vitro-derived RBCs from different developmental origins will be performed using molecular assays alongside transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. This integrative approach will provide insights into the biological and functional equivalence of iPSC-derived RBCs and define key quality control markers for potential clinical applications.

In this project, the postdoctoral researcher will focus on bioinformatics analysis of omics data, integrating metabolomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and lipidomic datasets. This will be combined with validation studies in the iPSC-derived cultures, including minimal handling and maintenance of iPSC-derived hematopoietic organoids and erythroid cultures. The postdoc will be embedded within the iPSC facility team, working closely with a dedicated research technician, as well as collaborating with other PhD students and researchers. We have a strong collaboration with engineers from the TU-Delft (Dr. Marieke Klijn) concerning the continued development of bioreactor setups.

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 supplying life-saving products and services and conducting research in blood transfusion medicine and immunology. Our research covers anemia, bleeding and hemostasis, cancer, immune deficiency and aging, and vascular and inflammatory diseases. Sanquin offers an internationally oriented scientific environment with excellent facilities, including weekly scientific meetings and journal clubs for continuous knowledge exchange.

The Department / The iPSC Facility / The research team

The postdoctoral researcher will be based in the iPSC facility (head scientist: Dr. Eszter Varga), part of the Department of Hematopoiesis, and will work closely with the van den Akker group. The iPSC facility’s research focuses on fundamental hematopoiesis, disease modeling, and translational research. The van den Akker group specializes in the development of stem cell–derived blood and blood products, including both process and product development.

Your Profile

- PhD in Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Systems Biology, or related fields;
- Expertise in omics data analysis (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics), including multi-omics data integration, with at least two years of hands-on experience;
- Mammalian cell culture experience;
- Experience with iPSC culture and differentiation techniques will be a selective advantage;
- Independent and responsible with strong teamwork skills;
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

Our Offer

- Salary in accordance with the Sanquin Collective Labor Agreement, including an 8.33% end-of-year bonus and 8.33% holiday allowance;
- Challenging research within a multidisciplinary and enthusiastic international team;
- Temporary position (project duration: 2 years);
- 201 hours of leave per year for full-time employment (36 hours/week), including 7 vacation days as part of your individual choice budget;
- Commuting allowance from the first kilometer;
- Collective agreements with various insurance providers;
- Flexible benefits system allowing you to tailor your terms of employment;
- Pension accrual with Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn. We contribute 65%.

More Information & Application

For more information, please contact Dr. Eszter Varga ([email protected]). To apply, please submit your motivation letter (explaining your interest in the position and how your skills match the research) and your CV in English. Please also include names and contact details of at least two references. Applications must be submitted through the Sanquin website; applications sent by email will not be considered. Pre-employment screening is part of the onboarding process.

Application deadline

August 22, 2025. The position is expected to be filled in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Acquisition is not appreciated. Sanquin does not accept unsolicited help from agencies for this vacancy. CVs (in whatever form) sent by intermediary agencies to any employee of Sanquin without a valid written search are considered to be the property of Sanquin for which no fee is due in any way..