PhD position in “Modelling a prothrombotic tumour microenvironment”

Details

Funded by Tenovus Scotland (Grampian, Highlands & Islands), this project covers Home/UK tuition fees and essential research costs. 

The MSc by Research programme at the University of Aberdeen is for students interested in a research-intensive master’s degree. It is designed specifically to enhance your skills for a PhD or research career. You can find further information about our academic requirements and MSc by Research programme structure here.

Patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing life-threatening blood clots such as those that form in the deep veins and can break off and block the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or those that form in arteries and can cause heart attacks and strokes. Cancer associated blood clots increases the risk of death approximately 3-fold compared to cancer patients without a clot. In addition, non-fatal blood clots can greatly impact patient quality of life. Cancer cells can release factors that initiate the clotting process and activate tiny blood cells called ‘platelets’ that form the initial plug of a blood clot. Whether a clot persists and causes a blockage of a blood vessel depends on both the clot formation and break down process. Clot breakdown is regulated by both activators and inhibitors of the process. The clot breakdown process is normally tightly regulated but when there is an imbalance, this can lead to the development of life-threatening blood clots. These regulators of the clot formation and breakdown process can be released by platelets and the cells that line the inside of blood vessels as well as from cancer cells.

This project aims to mimic the inflammatory environment of a 3D breast cancer tumour in a dish. This will allow us to establish how these tumours affect platelets and the cells lining the blood vessel wall and the impact of this on clot formation and breakdown. The different cell types will be incubated together and changes in levels and releases of these regulators will be measured and the effect they have on clot formation and breakdown will be investigated.

Currently, prevention and treatment of blood clots is with use of anticoagulant drugs to reduce clot formation. However, these drugs do not remove the existing clot and it is clear that the clinical significance is determined by the combined effects of clot formation and clot breakdown. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the development of blood clots and exploring strategies that enhance clot breakdown in cancer patients could lead to improved and more targeted therapeutic options that enhance survival.

We will model a proinflammatory tumour microenvironment using breast cancer cell monolayers or 3D mammospheres stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines. Co-culture models will be utilised to determine the impact on gene expression and protein release, exposure and activity in endothelial cells and platelets. The successful candidate will gain experience in cell culture, platelet isolation, haemostatic assays qPCR, Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy. 

Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be directed to Dr Claire Whyte (c.s.whyte@abdn.ac.uk). 

Candidate Background:

It would be an advantage to have cell culture experience but training will be provided.

We actively encourage applications from diverse career paths and backgrounds and across all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status, amongst other protected characteristics.

We also invite applications from those returning from a career break, industry or other roles. We typically require a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or equivalent), but exceptions can be made where applicants can demonstrate excellence in alternative ways, including, but not limited to, performance in masters courses, professional placements, internships or employment.

Application Procedure

To apply, please submit the following documents via email to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk

• A cover letter addressed to the supervisor of the project you’re applying for.
• An up-to-date CV detailing your academic qualifications, employment history, and any other relevant experience. Please ensure your current permanent address is clearly stated, as this will be used to determine your fee status.
• Clear copies of your degree certificates and transcripts (if available).
• Evidence of settled or pre-settled status (if applicable).

Please send your application with documents attached as a single email with the subject line: “Tenovus_CW – [Your Name]”

The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on the 8th July 2026. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

For any enquiries regarding your application or the application process, please contact smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This MSc by Research project is funded by Tenovus Scotland (Grampian, Highlands & Islands). The funding package is limited to tuition fees at the Home/UK rate and research costs. The anticipated start date for the project is October 2026; it does not provide a student stipend.

The project is expected to commence in October 2026.