Research Internship iPSC-Derived Red Blood Cells

Are you passionate about stem cell research? Sanquin Research offers an exciting internship opportunity where you'll work with and characterize red blood cells differentiated from iPSCs. This project aims to develop clinically relevant cellular products. Curious? Read on!

You will contribute to a project aimed at generating cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) for clinical applications. This involves characterizing such cRBCs with functional assays and benchmarking them against other sources of cRBCs (fetal liver, cord blood, and adult cRBCs) using proteomics. You will work independently and as part of a team, sharing the workload with researchers and technicians. This internship will provide extensive experience in iPSC differentiation, cell culture and isolation from primary material, and the use of various functional readouts. The role may also involve molecular biology techniques (RNA, DNA work), as well as omics data analysis. We are looking for a student available for 8-9 months, starting between October and November 2026.

You are currently enrolled in an MSc program in biomedical sciences, biochemistry, cell biology, or related fields At least 3 months of mammalian cell culture experience Experience with iPSC handling and/or big omics analysis is an advantage. Independent, responsible, and team-oriented. Strong communication and writing skills in English.

Sanquin’s mission is: “Together with the donor, we ensure a better life for patients.” We are a knowledge-driven, not-for-profit organization providing life-saving products and services while conducting cutting-edge research in blood transfusion medicine and immunology. Our research focuses on five medical needs: Anemia, Bleeding and Hemostasis, Cancer, Immune Deficiency and Aging, and Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases. We offer a dynamic, internationally oriented scientific environment with excellent facilities, weekly scientific meetings, journal clubs, and work discussions.

We seek a highly motivated student to join our iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) facility, a subgroup within the Department of Hematopoiesis. Here, we generate and differentiate various blood cell types using iPSCs to study hematopoiesis in health and disease. Our goal is to produce hematopoietic cells for transfusion or transplantation. The facility collaborates closely with internal and external research groups, creating a multidisciplinary environment.