Javier Santos Moreno Principal Investigator

I studied Biotechnology (MSc from Univ. of Salamanca, Spain) – including an Erasmus stay at the Univ. Geneva, Switzerland – and Laboratory of Clinical Analyses (MSc from Univ. Pompeu Fabra, Spain). I did my PhD at Collège de France and Institut Pasteur (Paris, France) studying the molecular mechanism of protein secretion in bacteria. I then became passionate about synthetic biology, and devoted my research efforts to build (rather than to observe) biological systems. As a post-doc at the Univ. of Lausanne, Switzerland, I developed CRISPRi-based synthetic gene circuits. During my post-doc at Univ. Pompeu Fabra, I engineered the human skin microbiome for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Since 2024, I lead the Synthetic Cell Programming lab, which focuses on developing tools and strategies for programming cell behaviour, both at the fundamental level and for prospective applications.

Out of the lab, I am a sports lover, a passionate traveler, an avid reader, and an amateur volcano extinguisher.

Cristóbal Parra Cid PhD candidate

I studied Medical Technology (Univ. of Talca, Chile) where I characterized and determined the antimicrobial profile of different ionic liquids and participated in local research projects. Then, I worked in the clinical laboratory of the Regional Hospital of Talca, Chile, and I also worked as a professor at the Catholic University of Maule, Chile, providing me with important clinical and pedagogical tools in several areas.

Subsequently, I studied the Master’s in Molecular Biotechnology (Univ. of Barcelona), where I focused on the application of synthetic biology tools in Cutibacterium acnes and advances in microbiome engineering. This experience, combined with my skills in molecular and microbiological techniques, allowed me to approach scientific challenges in research and the design of advanced biological systems.

Currently, my main focus is to develop molecular tools to control and programme the behavior of non-model skin bacteria, in order to create synthetic strains with diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Outside the lab, I am a sports and nature enthusiast, always looking for new outdoor adventures and travelling a lot. I am a musician, enjoy playing various instruments and love photography. I also appreciate cultural activities and there is nothing better than sharing laughs with friends, enjoying conversations and a good beer.

Helena Carazo González PhD candidate

I studied Biotechnology (BSc from Universitat de Barcelona, Spain), where I focused on cellular and molecular biology, genetic engineering, and microbiology. During my bachelor's thesis at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), I worked on developing in vitro 3D models of lung tissue to study chronic bacterial infections. I then completed a Master’s in Systems and Synthetic Biology at Université Paris-Saclay (France), where I characterized the activity of de novo antimicrobial peptides designed using deep learning methods during my internship at the Learning Planet Institute.

Currently, I am working on engineering synthetic gene circuits to program time in cells. My research aims to develop biological timers that allow precise control of cellular behavior. This work not only expands our fundamental knowledge but also unlocks new possibilities in bioproduction and biosensing.

In my free time, I love hiking and playing volleyball to stay energized. I also love taking time to read and explore new books.

Núria-Fucui Vallverdú Gordi Lab technician

I studied Biochemistry at the Universitat de Barcelona (Spain) and later completed a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biomedicine with a specialization in Molecular Pathology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain). My research has focused on the role of cytokines as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. For my bachelor’s thesis, I investigated the Oncostatin M (cytokine) system in response to various cardiac hypertrophy triggers with the Genetics and Molecular Biology of Mitochondrial and Associated Pathology group at the Universitat de Barcelona.

My master’s thesis was conducted in the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition research group at the Institut de Recerca de l’Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Spain) and it was focused on cancer biology, specifically exploring the crosstalk between adipose tissue and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Additionally, I contributed to published studies on the role of LDLR in papillary thyroid carcinoma and on the potential of specific nanoparticles as treatments for this cancer.

Currently, I am exploring new areas of research and providing support to various groups working on cancer biology, cell cycle, oxidative stress, structural biology, and synthetic biology. Outside of research, I enjoy finding new coffee shops where I can settle in with a good book or listen to storytelling songs. It’s the perfect way to recharge and discover new music and places around the city.

This could be you Post-doc

The group is currently looking for a highly motivated post-doc candidate to work on designing and building synthetic gene circuits to program time in cells, and on characterizing these circuits, fine-tuning them, and connecting them to other circuits / actuator modules.

Please follow us on social media for upcoming job offers, and do not hesitate to contact us for inquires.

This could be you Senior technician

The group is currently looking for a highly motivated senior technician candidate to work on designing and building synthetic gene circuits to program time in cells, and on characterizing these circuits, fine-tuning them, and connecting them to other circuits / actuator modules.

Please follow us on social media for upcoming job offers, and do not hesitate to contact us for inquires.