Michael Schlierf

Prof. Michael Schlierf is a Professor for Molecular Biophysics at B CUBE – Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), where he has led his research group since 2017. Previously, he served as a Junior Group Leader at B CUBE from 2010-2017, following postdoctoral work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

His research focuses on conformational dynamics of biomolecules, specifically membrane protein folding, protein-DNA interactions during DNA replication and recombination, and regulatory DNA and RNA structures. His group develops and applies advanced single-molecule spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to observe biomolecular dynamics at unprecedented resolution. Current methodological expertise includes molecular bioengineering, single-molecule FRET, TCSPC, magnetic tweezers, and optical tweezers.

Prof. Schlierf's publication record spans high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Science Advances, and PNAS, with recent work emphasizing membrane protein biogenesis, DNA recombination mechanisms, and innovative single-molecule methodologies. His research program demonstrates consistent evolution from fundamental protein folding studies to complex biological systems.

• BMFTR Go-Bio initial (2025-2026)
• DAAD PROCOPE German-French collaboration (2025-2026)
• EFRE-JTF aCOS validation funds (2024-2026)
• DFG projects on outer membrane protein biogenesis, replication initiation, and relaxase dynamics
• Previous funding from BMBF, DFG Clusters of Excellence (Physics of Life), and Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation

Prof. Schlierf actively supervises multiple PhD students and postdocs, with a track record of successful alumni who have secured positions in academia and industry. His group maintains an interdisciplinary environment that bridges physics, biology, and chemistry approaches to study fundamental biomolecular processes.

The Schlierf Group operates within B CUBE – Center for Molecular Bioengineering at TU Dresden, with access to state-of-the-art single-molecule instrumentation and collaborative opportunities across the university's strong life sciences ecosystem. The group participates in teaching activities at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering and contributes to graduate education through the Dresden International Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences.