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Institute of Blood Transfusion Services: Career Opportunities for 2026

The Institute of Blood Transfusion Services (IBTS) stands as a cornerstone of public health, operating a national network dedicated to ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable blood supply for all citizens. Our mission integrates complex operations from donor recruitment and blood collection through advanced testing, component processing, and distribution to hospitals. As we look toward 2026, our strategic expansion is driven by new molecular testing protocols, the launch of two regional donor centers, and a nationwide initiative for rare donor phenotype screening. These developments are creating a significant number of new and replacement positions across our technical, scientific, and operational divisions. We are actively seeking dedicated professionals to join our vital work.

Our 2026 hiring plan focuses on strengthening core competencies while integrating innovative technologies. Key recruitment areas include Biomedical Scientists specializing in immunohematology and virology, Donor Care Nurses and Phlebotomists for our mobile units and static centers, and Quality Assurance Officers to uphold our rigorous compliance with EU Blood Directives and ISO standards. Furthermore, we are expanding our logistics and supply chain teams to enhance our cold-chain distribution network. These Institute of Blood Transfusion Services jobs represent more than employment; they are a commitment to a lifesaving public service where your expertise directly impacts patient outcomes nationwide.

Anti-D Immunoglobulin Program Specialist Role

The Anti-D Immunoglobulin Program is a critical preventive health service managed by the IBTS, aimed at eliminating Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). This specialist role is central to the program's success, involving the coordination of donor plasma collection from sensitized RhD-negative donors, the oversight of fractionation processes, and the management of immunoglobulin inventory and distribution to maternity hospitals. The specialist acts as the key liaison between our immunohaematology laboratory, clinical consultants, and hospital pharmacies, ensuring timely prophylaxis for at-risk pregnancies. This position requires a deep understanding of red cell immunology, national clinical guidelines, and pharmacovigilance reporting.

Daily responsibilities are diverse and impactful. They include monitoring donor antibody titres, managing the production schedule with our fractionation partners, and conducting training sessions for midwifery and obstetric staff on the correct administration protocols. The specialist also leads the audit trail for every vial issued, from donor to patient, ensuring full traceability. Candidates for this vacancy should possess a relevant degree in biomedical science, nursing, or pharmacy, coupled with several years of experience in a transfusion medicine, immunology, or biopharmaceutical setting. This role offers the unique professional satisfaction of seeing a public health program you help manage directly prevent serious illness in newborns.

Current Vacancies and Application Process

We currently have multiple vacancies open for application, reflecting the broad scope of our operations. Prominent openings include a Lead Virology Scientist to head our NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) screening laboratory, Donor Recruitment Officers for regional campaigns, and a Transport and Logistics Manager for our fleet of specialist blood vehicles. Each position listing on our careers portal provides a comprehensive job description, essential qualifications, and a detailed breakdown of the competencies required. We encourage prospective candidates to review these documents thoroughly to ensure their skills and career aspirations align with the specific demands of the role.

The application process for Institute of Blood Transfusion Services careers is designed to be transparent and rigorous. All applications must be submitted through our official online portal, where you will be prompted to upload a tailored curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressing the specific criteria outlined in the job description. The selection process typically involves a preliminary screening, followed by a competency-based interview, and for technical roles, a practical skills assessment. For positions involving direct donor contact or patient-linked services, Garda vetting and specific health clearances are mandatory. We value diversity in our workforce and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

Working at the Institute of Blood Transfusion Services

A career at the IBTS is defined by purpose, teamwork, and continuous professional development. Employees work in state-of-the-art laboratories and donor centers equipped with the latest analytical and collection technologies.