The ExPoVA project at Teesside University, under the Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership, offers an exciting opportunity to advance cancer vaccine development by engineering novel vaccine adjuvants from extremophilic polysaccharides. The project addresses a critical challenge in immunology: the lack of safe and effective adjuvants capable of eliciting robust and durable immune responses, which are essential for next-generation cancer vaccines. Supervised by Dr S Raveendran, Prof M S Akram, and Dr Y Guo, this interdisciplinary research will integrate biochemistry, biotechnology, cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular and structural biology, analytical and polymer chemistry, and bioengineering. The successful candidate will explore the unique properties of extremophilic polysaccharides, characterizing their structure and function, and evaluating their potential as innovative adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity in cancer vaccines. Students will gain hands-on experience in advanced laboratory techniques, including molecular biology assays, analytical chemistry methods, and bioengineering approaches. The project is ideal for candidates with a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or related fields, and a keen interest in translational research at the interface of chemistry and medical science. Applicants should possess or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Experience in laboratory research and a demonstrated interest in vaccine development are highly desirable. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers. The application deadline is 7 January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official project page or contact the Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful cancer immunotherapy research within a vibrant academic environment at Teesside University.