Florian Dworkowski

Florian Dworkowski is a Beamline Scientist in the Macromolecular Crystallography Group at the Swiss Light Source (SLS), Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland. His career spans over a decade in advanced crystallography techniques, specializing in structural biology, biophysics, and X-ray methodologies.

• B.Sc. in Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin (2000-2002)
• M.Sc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma (2002-2004)
• Ph.D. in Biology & Biophysics, ETH Zurich (2005-2009)
• PostDoc at SLS (2010-2012)
• Beamline Scientist at SLS since 2013

His research focuses on beamline instrumentation, serial crystallography, method development, and in situ spectroscopy, with a particular emphasis on understanding radiation damage in biomolecular crystals. Key contributions include advancements in time-resolved serial crystallography and X-ray-induced structural changes.

Recent publications highlight his work on light-driven protein dynamics (e.g., rhodopsin photocycles, photolyase radical pairs), drug release mechanisms, and detector innovations like the JUNGFRAU system. Collaborative efforts span membrane protein studies, DNA repair, and NO photodissociation in hemoproteins.

• Instrumentation: Development of high-viscosity microstreams, multi-reservoir extruders, and on-axis micro-spectrophotometers
• Techniques: Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX), resonance Raman spectroscopy, pump-probe experiments
• Applications: GPCR studies, photopharmacology, enzyme catalysis, vision mechanisms