PhD candidate 'Quest for genetic causes of bleeding tendency'

Job description

Job description
Within the Thrombosis and Hemostasis research group of the Laboratory of Hematology, we investigate the mechanisms that maintain the delicate balance of the hemostatic system. Disruption of this balance may result in either bleeding or thrombosis, both of which represent major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Bleeding following trauma remains one of the leading causes of death in individuals under the age of 46 years, while thrombotic diseases are among the most common causes of mortality globally, with incidence increasing with age.
Identifying the cause of a bleeding tendency remains a major challenge in clinical hematology. Despite extensive laboratory and genetic investigations, no underlying hemostatic defect can currently be identified in approximately 50% of these patients. This may be further improved by evaluating clot degradation (fibrinolysis). However, assays assessing fibrinolytic capacity are poorly standardized and are not routinely available in clinical practice.
In this PhD project, you will contribute to advancing our understanding of unexplained bleeding disorders through a combination of genomic analysis, functional characterisation and translational research approaches. The project aims to identify and characterize novel genetic variants and biological mechanisms underlying bleeding phenotypes by integrating whole-genome sequencing with functional studies in individual patients and affected families.
In parallel, the project focuses on improving diagnostic strategies for fibrinolytic disorders by characterizing current diagnostic modalities and by developing, optimizing, and validating novel assays that assess fibrinolytic potential. Together, these approaches will provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of bleeding disorders and ultimately contribute to improved diagnostic evaluation and personalized patient care.
Tasks and responsibilities as PhD researcher:

• Analysis of genetic data.
• Functional analysis of identified proteins.
• Conducting systematic searches in literature databases.
• Validation of laboratory tests.
• Writing scientific publications for international journals.
• Presenting results at (scientific) meetings.
• Collaborating with promoters, supervisors and internal and external partners.

All these tasks are aimed at obtaining an academic PhD. In addition, PhD students contribute to general activities taking place within the laboratory of hematology and within the research institute.

Requirements

Profile
You are an aspiring PhD candidate with a keen interest in hemostasis as one of the leading causes for morbidity and mortality. You have the ambition to unravel novel fundamental biological mechanisms, and develop opportunities to improve patient care.
You are proactive in your efforts to approach this research project from multiple angles, and you have excellent communication skills to establish (novel) cooperations as well as eminent writing skills to communicate your findings with the (academic) society.
You have:

• Finished a master in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or a related master.
• Experience in molecular biology, pathobiology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics.
• Languages: fluent in English.

Conditions of employment

Well arranged
With us, you receive 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and – depending on your role – an irregular hours allowance ranging from 47% to 72%. In addition, you are entitled to 176 vacation hours per year (based on a 36-hour work week).
Compensation
You will receive a €0.18 per kilometer travel allowance. Public transport costs (2nd class) are fully reimbursed. If you work partly or entirely from home, you will receive €2.40 per home-working day. This way, everything is well arranged—wherever you work.
Flexible benefits scheme
With our flexible benefits scheme, you decide how to use part of your employment benefits. Purchase extra leave days or use your year-end bonus to buy a bicycle with tax benefits. You choose what suits you best.
Warm welcome
We believe a good start is important. Thanks to our onboarding app, you’ll be well prepared even before your first working day. During the introduction day, you’ll get to know your colleagues and our organization.
Changing allowance
If you are required to wear Radboudumc work clothing and change outside working hours, you will receive a changing allowance of €80 gross per month for a full-time position, provided this applies to your role.
Salary increase
At our organization, your work is valued. Your salary will increase in line with the collective labor agreement in two steps: by 3.5% as of July 1, 2026, and an additional 3.5% as of May 1, 2027. This means you’ll see a solid increase in your salary within a short period of time.
Work–life balance
We consider a healthy work–life balance essential. Through inspiring training sessions, mindfulness activities, and caregiver consultation hours, we support you in every phase of your life.
Growth and development
Our online learning environment offers a wide range of training courses, e-learnings, and educational programs—from professional specialization to personal development. This allows you to keep growing and make the most of your talents.

Employer

Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health.
At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.

Additional information

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!
Want to know more?
We’re happy to provide more information!
Sanna Rijpma
📱 06 31 01 51 92
📧 Send an email