Dirk Schneider

Prof. Dirk Schneider is a Full Professor (W3) of Biochemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, with previous appointments at the University of Freiburg (2003-2009) and postdoctoral training at Yale University. His research spans membrane biochemistry, biophysics, and transmembrane protein folding/assembly, focusing on thylakoid membrane biogenesis and protein-lipid interactions in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts.

• Current roles: Full Professor, University Mainz
• Previous roles: Assistant Professor (W1), University of Freiburg
• Education: PhD (summa cum laude) from Ruhr-University Bochum

His research interests include:

• Membrane protein folding and stability
• ESCRT-III/Vipp1/PspA family structural dynamics
• ABC transporter activity regulation (e.g., BmrA)
• Protein-lipid interaction mechanisms
• Thylakoid membrane remodeling
• Comparative membrane biology between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• Development of spectroscopic and computational methods

Recent publications reveal trends in bacterial membrane remodeling (SynDLP, PspA), lipid effects on transporter activity (BmrA), and IM30/Vipp1-mediated membrane fusion. His work combines structural biology, biophysics, and functional assays to elucidate membrane dynamics.

Awarded the Dr. Heinrich Kost Award (2001) and Leopoldina Fellowship (2001), he has held leadership roles including Study Section Speaker (2010-2014), Director of Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry (2013-2015), and Dean of Faculty of Chemistry (2015-2020). His scientific advisory roles include editorial board memberships and study section leadership.