Resolving mechanisms of cell division across the tree of life
Explore how cell division mechanisms vary across archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Apply advanced molecular and imaging techniques to dissect archaeal cell division at a molecular level and uncover fundamental biological principles.
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Project Description
Project Overview
This project explores the principles and variations of cell division mechanisms throughout the tree of life, focusing on archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. It aims to elucidate how archaeal cell division functions at molecular and cellular levels and compare these mechanisms across major cell types.
What You Will Do
You will use modern molecular and cellular biology techniques, including live-cell superresolution fluorescence imaging, and perform protein function studies both in vivo and in vitro. You will join a motivated research team working on an Australian Research Council Discovery Project.
Expected Outcomes
Advances in understanding archaeal cell division mechanisms will contribute to fundamental biological knowledge and may reveal new principles applicable to other organisms, potentially informing future biotechnological or medical applications.
Why This Matters
Understanding diverse cell division strategies across life forms deepens insights into fundamental biological processes, evolutionary biology, and may enable innovative applications in microbiology and molecular biology.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Assoc Prof Iain Duggin is a molecular microbiologist specializing in cytoskeleton, cell division, archaea, and E. coli. He leads research focusing on fundamental cell biological processes in microorganisms, combining advanced imaging and molecular biology. He is based at the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Science.