Funded PhD: Irish ABO and Coagulation strategic partnership

• Principal investigator(s) Dr Jamie O'Sullivan, Prof. James O'Donnell
• Research theme Vascular Biology

Although ABO blood group has been known to affect the risks of bleeding and thrombosis for many years, critically the mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain poorly understood.

By bringing together investigators from leading haemostasis research groups in RCSI and blood transfusion medicine experts from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), the Irish ABO and Coagulation (iABC) strategic partnership will adopt a unique state-of-the-art research programme to characterise the biological mechanisms through which ABO blood group influences blood coagulation.

The programme will therefore address clinically important research questions that have key implications for transfusion medicine practice. Given the huge morbidity and mortality associated with bleeding, defining the mechanisms though which ABO affects coagulation is of direct clinical importance. Our innovative plan of investigation will also provide novel insights into the relationship between ABO blood group, heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency in young women.

The PhD candidates appointed to the iABC programme will join an established team of other experienced postdoctoral fellows and students all working in the world-leading RCSI Irish Centre for Vascular Biology which is directed by Professor James O’Donnell. This research team has been working on blood coagulation for more than 20 years and has published more than 230 papers on this subject in high-impact journals.

The role will include working on a wide range of state-of-the-art laboratory methodologies spanning molecular biology and cellular biology and will also provide opportunities to engage with blood donors patients attending the IBTS. Based on the insights derived from the exciting plan of investigation, we aim to improve the clinical treatment for patients with bleeding disorders and those requiring blood transfusion support in Ireland and around the world.

The project is fully funded through a strategic partnership between Research Ireland and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Tenure: Four years

Start date: October/November 2026

Specification

Minimum requirements

• The successful applicant will have a degree (honours bachelors or master's) in a biological sciences subject, such as cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology or physiology.

Desirable candidate specifications

• A strong interest in haematology and vascular biology research.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Application process

Please apply for the research project through the link below.

Applications must include:

• A completed application form
• English language requirements