Hans Joachim Räder studied chemistry at the University of Mainz. He obtained his Diploma in 1987 with Prof. K. Müllen on a synthetic approach to new heterocyclic fulvalene-type donor structures which can be transformed into conducting organic metals. From 1988 to 1991 he worked for his Ph. D. thesis in the field of electrochemistry. Using cyclic voltammetry, he investigated the redox behaviour of extended p-systems which can be used as model compounds for conjugated polymers. In 1990 he moved with the group of Prof. K. Müllen to the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research, where he was responsible for projects on redox-chemisty and heterocyclic donors. Presently he is head of the mass-spectrometric division, which he established in 1991. His current research involves the methodical development of matrix assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in the analysis of synthetic polymers. Special research interests are desorption and ionization behavior, ion soft landing of intractable macromolecules and manipulation of self-assembly by electric fields.