Our main interest is in understanding the design principles of social behavior in bacteria. More specifically, we focus on how bacterial communication (also known as quorum sensing) is involved in the regulation of cooperation.
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To this aim, we combine tools from microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, microscopy, molecular evolution and quantitative modeling to study the phenomenon of cooperation and communication in simple and complex communities.
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Our main model organisms are the Gram-positive soil bacteria Bacillus subtilis and the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These two organisms are major model systems of quorum-sensing and biofilm development, allowing us to use their superb genetic tools and vast knowledge base as a starting point for our investigation.
Open Positions
We are looking for post-docs, PhD and MSc students with interest in fundamental evolutionary questions and a will to combine experimental work with a theoretical mode of thinking. Read more...
Main Research Interests
Designs principles of microbial communication
