The staff in the field of Structural Biology investigates the spatial structure and function of individual molecules. In this they utilise modern technologies such as x-ray structure analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry. Analysis is undertaken of both biomacromolecules (peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, etc.) and low molecular natural substances.

The focus is upon the structural analysis of so-called virulence factors of pathogenic micro-organisms and their interaction with the host cell. Virulence factors are proteins that produce the bacterium solely for the purpose of gaining an advantage for themselves over the host. The goal of the bacteria is, via the virulence factors, to circumvent, inhibit and re-programme the host's own cell processes or, for example, to trick the immune system. In this way the bacteria manage to penetrate the host cell, survive in certain niches or spread out in the host.

The structural biologists often follow the path "from the structure to the function", as the atomically ordered structure of a protein reveals much about its actual function. As many pathogens inhabit the host organism in a similar manner, the scientists decided on a number of model organisms on which to conduct their investigations. In addition to bacterial pathogens such as listeria, streptococcus and yersinia, these also include human pathogenic fungi and viruses. The scientists hope to utilise the subsequent findings in the long term for the development of new active agents and diagnostic agents.