Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Veterinary Pathology (Cetacean Embolic Disease) – Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Spain
About the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Applications are open for a PhD Cetacean Veterinary Pathology Spain position at the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The research focuses on gas and fat embolism in marine mammals. The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a public university located in the Canary Islands, Spain. The research will be conducted at the IUSA – University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety. This PhD position is funded by the Spanish State Research Plan and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
This fully funded PhD position focuses on veterinary pathology of embolic diseases (gas and fat embolism) in cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). The research will involve study of gas and fat embolism in marine mammals, veterinary pathology and diagnostic analysis, and contribution to marine conservation and animal health. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team and develop a PhD thesis within the framework of the project.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it focuses on a specialized area of marine mammal pathology – embolic diseases (gas and fat embolism) in cetaceans. These conditions are increasingly relevant due to anthropogenic activities such as naval sonar, seismic surveys, and bycatch that can cause gas bubble formation in marine mammals. The position is based in the Canary Islands, a strategic location for cetacean research due to the rich marine biodiversity of the Atlantic waters. The funding includes not only salary but also full tuition coverage, international stay funding, and research career development support. For a veterinarian or biologist interested in marine animal health and conservation, this is an opportunity to contribute to our understanding of cetacean pathology and support marine conservation efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research on gas and fat embolism in marine mammals
- Perform veterinary pathology and diagnostic analysis
- Develop a PhD thesis within the framework of the embolic pathology project
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Degree granting access to PhD studies (e.g., Veterinary Medicine, Biology, related fields) |
| Study Completion | Completed studies in 2019/2020 or later (or earlier under specific regulated cases) |
| PhD Admission | Be admitted or eligible for a PhD programme at ULPGC |
| Doctoral Status | Not hold a PhD degree |
| Language | Excellent Spanish proficiency |
Required Application Documents
- CV (Europass recommended)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Research proposal
- Supervisor support letter
- Proof of English level (if available)
- Supporting documents (publications, conferences, etc.)
Selection Process (Maximum 100 points)
| Criterion | Weight | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Academic & Scientific Background | 50 points | Academic record, Master’s degree relevance, publications (international/national), conference contributions, English level (B/C certified) |
| Fit to the Project | 50 points | Previous research experience (related or not), contributions to research activities, potential impact on candidate’s career and research group |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | Up to 4 years (48 months) |
| Salary | According to Spanish regulations |
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered |
| International Stays | Funding for international stays |
| Career Development | Research career development support |
| Postdoctoral Orientation | Optional postdoctoral orientation phase within contract duration |
| Teaching Opportunities | Up to 180 hours total (max 60 hours/year) of teaching collaboration |
Working Conditions
- Full-time research dedication required
- Incompatible with other employment contracts
- Compatible with scientific mobility, conferences, and research-related grants (non-salaried)
Evaluation & Monitoring
- Annual academic evaluation
- Mid-term and final reports required
- Progress linked to continuation of the contract
My Application Strategy
- Highlight your veterinary or marine biology background – Veterinary Medicine or Biology degrees are preferred
- Emphasize pathology or marine mammal experience – Any previous work with marine animals, necropsy, or pathology is highly valuable
- Prepare a strong research proposal – This is a required document; focus on embolic pathology in cetaceans
- Secure a supervisor support letter – Required for application
- Use Europass CV format – Specifically recommended
Who Should Apply
This PhD is perfect for a veterinarian or biologist with a strong interest in marine animal health, pathology, and conservation. If you are interested in how anthropogenic activities affect cetaceans and want to develop expertise in veterinary pathology, this project offers training in a specialized and impactful area of marine science. Candidates with experience in necropsy, histopathology, or marine mammal stranding networks are especially encouraged.
How to Apply
Apply through the ULPGC application portal:
Useful Links
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