About the Lab
The Hilbert Lab studies how the physical organization of DNA inside the cell nucleus controls genome function, and how these principles can be harnessed to design new synthetic and computational systems. A central focus of the lab is understanding chromatin architecture and transcriptional clusters—dynamic, phase-separated assemblies of molecular machinery that regulate gene expression in stem cells and developing organisms. By combining live and super-resolution microscopy with biophysical modeling, the lab reveals how chromatin folding, looping, and condensation shape processes such as transcription, differentiation, and transposon insertion.
Beyond fundamental biology, the lab explores how nuclear organization can inspire new technologies. Recent work draws parallels between chromatin-associated condensates and computer architectures, proposing concepts for future DNA-based computing systems. The group also develops DNA nanostructures and synthetic condensates to build functional materials and modules for synthetic cells, including programmable DNA droplets that mimic cellular organization and segregation.
Methodologically, the lab integrates quantitative imaging (e.g. STED and live-cell microscopy), polymer and statistical physics models, DNA nanotechnology, and machine learning for image reconstruction and analysis. Applications range from developmental biology and genome stability to synthetic biology and bio-inspired computing.
The lab is well suited for students interested in interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, biology, and computation. Ideal candidates are curious, quantitative thinkers with interests in biophysics, microscopy, modeling, data analysis, or synthetic biology, and who enjoy connecting fundamental principles to innovative technological ideas.