The genetic information encoded in DNA is read off in living cells through the processes of 'transcription' and 'translation.' The gene produces mRNA molecules (transcription), and mRNAs make proteins (translation) using other macromolecules' help. One fact of life is that these molecular processes are 'noisy.' There are cell-to-cell variations in the mRNA and protein copy numbers even when cells are genetically identical. This noise arguably is a source of 'phenotypic diversity'. We are interested in how molecular regulation affects gene expression noise.
Previously we investigated how molecular competition for transcription factors affects gene expression noise. We are now looking at post-transcriptional regulation of the gene expression by micro-RNAs. Micro-RNAs are small non-coding RNAs that bind to large mRNA molecules and inhibit translation. We are developing stochastic models for micro-RNA mediated negative feedback loops.
BS-MS students are welcome to contribute to the following projects:
Theoretical & Physical Biology Group
Cell tracking & analysis of motion during collective cell migration:
The overall aim is to understand how cells integrate multiple guidance cues during migration. This project will involve the acquisition and analysis of experimental videos of cell motion in close collaboration with the Fly lab (Co-PI: Mohit Prasad). ​
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Bacterial population dynamics and evolution of antimicrobial resistance in a changing environment:
The aim here is to decipher the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria mediated by plasmid in a changing environment. This work will require experiments with bacterial cultures, analysis of gene expression, cell imaging and computational modeling in our wet and dry labs.
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NOTE: All the works mentioned above will progress in parallel with theory and model building in our lab. Projects will have both computational and experimental components. Students are expected to spend time in the theory lab as well as in experimental labs.
Contact Us
Potential PhD/IPhD/external project candidates are always welcome! Please directly email the PI for inquiries regarding the on-going projects.
An Institute-funded Ph.D. position is available in our lab for the upcoming Autumn 2025 semester. Projects will involve theoretical/computational modeling using the concepts of Phase transition, Soft-matter physics, Statistical mechanics, and AI/ML-based data analysis. Required qualification: Master’s degree in Physics (as major or honours subject) with minimum 60% marks, Qualification in National eligibility exams (like JEST, GATE, CSIR/UGC).
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We also welcome CSIR-qualified JRFs with their own fellowships. Students with Master’s degrees in Bioinformatics, Microbiology, and Biophysics are also encouraged to apply.
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APPLY HERE for PhD (Dept. of Biological Sciences, IISERK): https://apply.iiserkol.ac.in/phd/dbs_application.html
Address :
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Indian Institute of Science Education And Research (IISER) Kolkata, Mohanpur,
Nadia - 741 246,
West Bengal, India.