This fully funded PhD project at Teesside University, in partnership with the Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), investigates the infection mechanisms of crustacean nudiviruses—double-stranded DNA viruses that cause significant economic and environmental damage in aquaculture and wild crustacean populations. The project aims to unravel how these viruses transmit and enter host cells, with a focus on developing bioinformatic and molecular insights into viral entry systems. The successful candidate will explore nudivirus diversity, sequence genomes of novel species, and develop high-quality host transcriptome data to identify membrane proteins in the crustacean hepatopancreas, the primary target tissue for these viruses. The research will involve advanced techniques in viral genome assembly, annotation, phylogenetics, nucleotide and protein isolation, protein synthesis, and protein interaction assays. A transcriptomic approach will be used to study the viral infection system in a crustacean model, with the goal of identifying protein targets for antiviral drug development to benefit the aquaculture industry. This CASE studentship offers interdisciplinary training in biological, biotechnology, and biochemical research, as well as professional skills for both academic and non-academic careers. The YBDTP brings together leading bioscience research institutions across Yorkshire and Teesside, providing a collaborative and supportive doctoral training environment. The project is open to UK and international students, with a competitive selection process for a limited number of fully funded studentships. Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biological, chemical, physical science, or mathematics discipline. International applicants must meet Teesside University's entry and English language requirements. The studentship covers a tax-free annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), research costs, and UK-rate tuition fees. International students are responsible for visa, NHS surcharge, and travel costs. To apply, submit an Expression of Interest form for October 2026 recruitment via the project link. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in February 2025. For further information, visit the YBDTP website or contact YBDTP@leeds.ac.uk . References supporting the project include recent publications on nudivirus diversity, infection patterns, and evolutionary taxonomy in leading journals.

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.