Garabedian Lab
Exploring the intersection of biology, biophysics, and engineering to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern life. We develop cutting-edge tools and approaches to address fundamental questions in living systems.
What We Do
Our interdisciplinary research combines experimental and computational approaches to understand biological systems at multiple scales.
Cell Biology & Biochemistry
We investigate mechanisms of protein self-assembly and the function of protein ensembles in cells and through in vitro reconstitution. We employ cutting edge imaging techniques to visualize cellular processes, combined with the power of biochemistry to define molecular mechanism.
Chemical Biology
We use chemical tools and deploy small molecule probes to dissect cell biological processes and identify new therapeutic targets.
Computational Approaches
We use simulations and collaborate with computational labs, integrating modeling with experimental data to generate new clues and hypotheses and guide our experimental design in the lab.
Biophysics & Bioengineering
We measure cellular dynamics and mechanical properties to re-engineer biological systems and develop novel technologies for therapeutic or industrial applications.
Research Areas
Publications
Selected recent publications from the lab. For a full list, visit our Google Scholar or PubMed profiles.
53BP1 condensates function as bioreactors for NHEJ directed DNA repair and insulators to determine pathway choice
Garabedian MV, Zhang T, Datta A, Wang W, Wadley M, Greenberg RA, Good MC
bioRxiv [Preprint]
Determinants that enable disordered protein assembly into discrete condensed phases
Welles RM, Sojitra KA, Garabedian MV, Xia B, Wang W, Guan M, et al.
Nature Chemistry
Determinants of Disordered Protein Co-Assembly Into Discrete Condensed Phases
Welles RM, Sojitra KA, Garabedian MV, Xia B, Wang W, Guan M, et al.
bioRxiv [Preprint]
Protein Condensate Formation via Controlled Multimerization of Intrinsically Disordered Sequences
Garabedian MV, Su Z, Dabdoub J, Tong M, Deiters A, Hammer DA, Good MC
Biochemistry
Our Team
A multidisciplinary group of scientists and engineers passionate about uncovering the fundamental principles of living systems.
Mikael V. Garabedian
Principal Investigator
Core Imaging Facility Co-director
Tarandeep Dadyala
Ph.D. Student
Ismail Razzaq
Undergraduate Researcher
Lukas Toparlak
Undergraduate Researcher
Siddarth Makkuni
Undergraduate Researcher
Adel Daftani
Undergraduate Researcher
Taha Saleem
Undergraduate Researcher
Lenna Kasaryan
Undergraduate Researcher
Max
The Four Paws of the Apocalypse
Hugo
The Devil Himself
Equipment & Facilities
Our lab is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation to support a wide range of experimental approaches in cell biology, biochemistry, and biophysics.
Microscopy
- • Spinning disk confocal microscope
- • Wide-field fluorescence microscope
- • TIRF microscope
- • Phase contrast microscope
Biochemistry
- • FPLC / ÄKTA purification system
- • Analytical ultracentrifuge
- • Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
- • Multi-angle light scattering (MALS)
Biophysics
- • Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)
- • Differential scanning fluorimetry
- • Fluorescence spectrophotometer
- • Plate reader (absorbance, fluorescence)
Molecular Biology
- • PCR thermocyclers
- • Gel electrophoresis systems
- • Western blot imaging system
- • Bacterial & yeast culture facilities
Core Imaging Facility
- • Co-directed by Dr. Garabedian
- • Shared instrumentation available to campus researchers
- • Training and consultation services
- • Image analysis workstations
Computational Resources
- • High-performance computing cluster access
- • Molecular dynamics simulation software
- • AlphaFold2 / structure prediction tools
- • Custom image analysis pipelines
Open Positions
We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals to join our team. We value diversity, creativity, and rigorous thinking.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Full-timeWe are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows with expertise in structural biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field. Strong candidates will have a track record of independent research and publications.
Requirements
- ✓ PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or related field
- ✓ Strong publication record
- ✓ Experience with structural or biochemical techniques
- ✓ Excellent communication skills
Graduate Student
PhD ProgramWe welcome rotation students and PhD candidates interested in molecular mechanisms of gene regulation. Students joining through Rutgers' PhD programs in Biology, Biochemistry, or Biophysics are encouraged to rotate.
Requirements
- ✓ Enrolled or accepted in a PhD program
- ✓ Background in molecular biology or related field
- ✓ Curiosity-driven mindset
- ✓ Commitment to rigorous science
Research Technician
Full-timeWe are looking for a dedicated research technician to support ongoing laboratory projects in molecular biology and biochemistry. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate interested in gaining research experience.
Requirements
- ✓ Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field
- ✓ Experience with standard molecular biology techniques
- ✓ Detail-oriented and organized
- ✓ Ability to work independently and in a team
Contact Us
Interested in collaborating, joining the lab, or learning more about our research? We'd love to hear from you.