Stephan Gruber

Stephan Gruber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Fundamental Microbiology at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), where he leads a research group focused on chromosome organization and dynamics. His work centers on SMC protein complexes such as condensin, cohesin, and Wadjet systems, particularly in bacteria and yeast.

Research Interests:

• Chromosome organization and segregation
• Structural and biochemical mechanisms of SMC complexes
• DNA loop extrusion and condensation
• Bacterial immunity against plasmids and viruses
• ParABS systems and CTPase enzymes in chromosome partitioning

His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, biochemistry, structural biology (including cryo-EM), live-cell imaging, and next-generation sequencing techniques. Recent publications highlight work on SMC motor asymmetry, ParB CTP hydrolysis, Wadjet-mediated plasmid restriction, and DNA repair mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• EMBO Long Term Fellowship (2007)
• HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008)
• ERC Starting Grant (2010)

Gruber has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to independent research careers. His group actively investigates the molecular basis of genome integrity and bacterial defense systems, with implications for antibiotic development and synthetic biology. The lab is affiliated with the Dubochet Center for Imaging and collaborates widely across Europe.