Systems biochemistry of bacterial cell division

Our research aims at understanding how the elements of the bacterial division machinery (the divisome) work together as an integrated system of molecular interactions to fulfill its essential function. To address these questions we develop and apply novel biochemical reconstitution approaches to build, with a minimum set of elements, functional division assemblies in the absence of cells. We are looking for 2 graduate students in chemical-physical / biological sciences or bioengineering to carry out TFM projects in one of the group's research lines:

1. Synthetic biochemistry: Organization and reconstruction of divisome assemblies in minimal membrane systems (nanodiscs, microbeads, bilayers, vesicles)

2. Cytomimetic biochemistry: Reactivity and self-organization of divisome elements and networks in crowded and confined cell-like environments (vesicles, droplets)

3. Physical biochemistry: Functional energetics of divisome macromolecular interactions in solution and membranes.