PhD Studentship: Advances in Diagnostic, Prognostic and Treatment Opportunities for Canine Haemangiosarcoma and Osteosarcoma

Principal supervisor: Professor Catrin Rutland

Other supervisors: Professor Nigel Mongan, Professor Mark Dunning, Dr Jennie Jeyapalan

Background: The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science (SVMS) undertakes research on many key aspects of companion animals and livestock health and production. Research at the School is integrated into the University structure with established world class research in biomedical sciences within the other University Schools.  Research undertaken at the School is relevant to both Veterinary Medicine and Science and Comparative and Human Medicine.

Project description: The project will be based in the Rutland, Mongan, Jeyapalan Research Group. Haemangiosarcoma (HAS) or malignant endothelioma or angiosarcoma (AS) is the most common vascular malignancy encountered in dogs, whilst osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumour identified with a documented prevalence of approximately 85% of all primary malignancies arising in the skeleton of this species. We will be using techniques such as immunohistochemistry and H-scoring, histopathological analysis, RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, western blotting, bioinformatics, ELISA, cell culture, statistics, and literature reviews. A working knowledge of these techniques is therefore desirable. We will compare subtypes, detect potential biomarkers, undertake pathway analysis and identify potential pharmaceutical interactions. We will be collaborating with researchers from four international universities on this project.   

Further information and Application

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree or a minimum of a 2.2 degree and a Master’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Nutrition or similar subjects. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: Prof. Catrin Rutland [email protected]

Candidates should apply online and include a CV.  When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then PhD Molecular Medicine (and Complex Diseases) (48m) and, once submitted, send your student ID number to [email protected] .

Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to [email protected] .

Interview Date: 

Week commencing 17th June 2024.

Start Date: 

01/12/2024 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 

23/05/2024 

Eligibility for Funding

This is a fully funded studentship open to UK nationals.