Robert Hein

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Robert Hein is an Assistant Professor at the University of Münster’s Organisch-Chemisches Institut, leading an independent research group since 2024. His group focuses on redox-switchable systems, molecular machines, and functional materials. Hein holds a PhD from the University of Oxford (2020) and postdoctoral experience at the Universities of Groningen and Oxford. He is supported by the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie (Liebig Fellowship) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW Return Fellowship).

• Education:
  • PhD, University of Oxford (2020)
  • Undergraduate Studies, Jacobs University Bremen (2016)
• Research Interests: Supramolecular chemistry, electrochemistry, molecular switches, sensors, and responsive materials.
• Affiliations: Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), Collaborative Research Center 1459 (CRC 1459).

His work bridges molecular design and application, translating redox-active molecules into functional systems like sensors and actuators. Key collaborations include Prof. Bart Jan Ravoo (Münster) and Prof. Ben L. Feringa (Groningen).

• Key Awards:
  • Liebig-Fellowship (2024)
  • NRW Return Fellowship (2025)
  • Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022)
• Grants: DFG SFB 1459, Fonds der Chemischen Industrie, NRW MKW.

Hein’s lab actively recruits PhD/MSc students and a 2026-postdoc position focuses on redox-switchable systems.