Integrative Bioinformatics

Exploring the ecology and evolution of host-associated microbial communities

Research

In the Garrido-Oter group, we explore the evolutionary and ecological principles that govern the structure and dynamics of complex microbial communities, in particular those associated with photosynthetic organisms, such as land plants and terrestrial microalgae.

In this context, we focus on two main research questions:

1. what are the principles that govern microbiota establishment, stability and dynamics and,
2. how adaptation occurs in a community context, where multipartite microbe-microbe as well as host-microbe interactions exert selective pressure in all interacting partners.

To address these questions, we develop and apply reductionist experimental approaches and computational tools. Using tractable experimental systems based on large-scale microbial culture collections we aim at developing a mechanistic understanding of how microbiota members interact with each other and with their host. Our ultimate goal is to reveal fundamental, quantitative principles governing the dynamic behaviour of host-associated microbial communities.

Funding

Our research is funded by the European Research Council (ERC), the German Research Foundation (DFG), and the Max Planck Society. We are also part of the Cluster of Excellence in Plant Sciences (CEPLAS).

Recruitment

We are currently recruiting talented and motivated PhD and postdoctoral scientists. If you are interested in available job opportunities, please contact Ruben Garrido-Oter by mail.