Ian Blaby

Biologist Staff Scientist

DNA Synthesis Group Lead

Secondary Affiliation: Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology

Comparative and Functional Genomics

Building: 91, Room 210c
Mail Stop: 91R0183
Phone: 510-495-8511
ikblaby@lbl.gov
https://jgi.doe.gov/our-science/scientists-jgi/ian-blaby/

Research Interests

Dr. Blaby joined the JGI in 2019 as the lead of the DNA synthesis platform, where he manages production for approved user projects as well as leading computational and lab-based R&D efforts for synthetic biology and functional genomics. Prior to JGI, he was a group lead at Brookhaven National Laboratory where he focused on functional genomics of phototrophs. Through this and post-doctoral positions at University of Florida and UCLA he has worked with a wide range of eukaryotic algae, archaea and bacteria with a view to developing a deeper understanding of sequence-based gene function.

Selected Publications

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Studying the Tiniest Archaea, JGI Users Find a Genomic Switch of Friend or Foe

October 12, 2023

Within the archaeal domain, there is a group of tiny hitchhikers. These organisms are abundant and yet exceptionally small, with mini genomes to match. To fill in their nutrient gaps, they must latch onto a larger host — often, a fellow archaeal microbe. Recently, researchers used population genomics to find that while archaeal hitchhikers may often act as parasites, in other cases, they likely help their hosts.

The JGI Leverages Soil Virus for Insight into Maintaining Microorganisms

December 6, 2022

Through a collaborative effort, researchers have identified a protein in soil viruses that may promote soil health. The work was enabled in part by a community data portal of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI), a DOE Office of Science User Facility located at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). Using 5,000 images of crystalized samples cloned and synthesized by the JGI, scientists have begun the complex process of uncovering the hidden secrets of soil viruses.

Onsite PhD Student Visit Amps Up Collaborative Spirit

June 3, 2022

Biosciences Area staff recently hosted 40 PhD students from Wageningen University in the Netherlands over two days at Emery Station East (ESE) and the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB). The group launched their two-week California tour in the Bay Area, stopping by local biotechnology companies and prominent academic research institutions. The contingent visited ESE to tour the facility, make presentations, and discuss potential collaborations. At the IGB, the students attended a day-long symposium that included short talks, tours of several user facilities, and a poster reception.

Research Interests

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Resources