The genetic basis of canine oral melanoma for the prediction of disease behaviour

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.

Canine oral melanoma is an aggressive tumour that generally carries a poor prognosis and is inherently resistant to current treatment. However, individual tumour behaviour is often variable and as such unpredictable, as reflected by wide-ranging survival times. A lack of prognostic tools highlights the critical need to understand the aetiology of oral melanoma, so we can better stage and predict tumour behaviour to improve treatment and maximise survival. This project seeks to address this unmet need using a genome-wide approach, to understand how genetic variation correlates with grade and aggressive tumour behaviour, leading to the future development of precision prognostic tests.

Applicants for this PhD should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree or a minimum of a 2.2 degree and a masters degree in Agriculture, Animal science, Biological Sciences, Veterinary Science, Nutrition or similar subjects.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: Dr Victoria James [Email Address Removed]

Candidates should apply online http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx and include a CV. When completing the online application form, please ensure that you state that you are applying for a postgraduate position within the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to Continuing Education Officer Research, (email: [Email Address Removed])