Klaus Ersfeld

Klaus Ersfeld is a Professor of Molecular Parasitology at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. He leads the Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology within the Department of Genetics. His research focuses on the cytoskeletal biology of Trypanosoma brucei, particularly the role of microtubule post-translational modifications like polyglutamylation. This work is part of the DFG-funded priority program 'Physics of Parasites' in collaboration with the Department of Experimental Physics (Prof. Matthias Weiss).

Ersfeld holds a PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry (Göttingen) and has held academic positions at the University of Hull (Senior Lecturer) and University of Manchester. His expertise spans molecular biology techniques (mutagenesis, RNAi) and cell imaging methods (immunofluorescence, electron microscopy).

Recent research emphasizes understanding how microtubule dynamics regulate parasite morphology and life cycle adaptations. Collaborative projects include drug discovery efforts targeting trypanosomes, with publications on antiparasitic gold complexes and organic compounds. His work bridges molecular, structural, and biophysical approaches to parasitology.