Summary ETH Zurich’s Soft Robotics Lab is inviting applications for a full-time, fixed-term PhD position focused on designing, building, and testing musculoskeletal soft robots. The role centers on end-to-end development—from concept to working hardware—combining hands-on fabrication with modeling, actuation, and learning-enabled control.
Designation PhD Student (100%, Zurich, fixed-term)
Research Area Soft robotics, musculoskeletal systems, compliant actuation, bio-inspired design, robotics hardware development, and integration with machine learning-driven sensing and control.
Location Zurich, Switzerland (ETH Zurich, Tannenstrasse 3, 8092 Zurich)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or closely related field
- Hands-on experience building physical systems (prototyping, CAD, fabrication, electronics, robot integration)
- Bias toward action: hands-on building, testing, and rapid iteration
- Knowledge in actuation, mechanism design, control, or embedded systems; willingness to grow across the robotics stack
- prior research demonstrated via Master’s thesis or related projects; strong English (written and spoken)
- Interest in interdisciplinary, experimental research; collaborative mindset
- Background or interest in soft robotics, bio-inspired design, or musculoskeletal systems is a plus
Job Description
- Take musculoskeletal soft robots from concept to working prototype: architecture, fabrication, sensing, control, and real-world validation
- Emphasize rapid prototyping, measurement, and iterative design cycles
- Engineer bones, joints, tendons, and muscles using compliant materials to achieve strength and dexterity
- Aim for capable robots where embodiment contributes significantly to performance, with less reliance on centralized control
- Integrate hands-on mechanical design with modeling, actuation, and control to deliver complete robotic systems
- Collaborate closely with the lab’s machine learning and “muscles” teams to combine learning-based control with muscle-like actuators
How to Apply
- Submit a single merged PDF document titled with your last name, initials, and application date, in this order:
- Cover letter detailing your research achievements and interests
- Detailed CV
- Transcripts of all degrees (English)
- Names and contact information of at least three references
- Representative published work (papers, theses)
- Apply online via the portal: Apply online now (link provided on the job page)
- For inquiries: Federica Poltronieri, federica.poltronieri@srl.ethz.ch (note: no applications via email)
Last Date for Apply: Open Now
Table: Quick Facts
- Title | PhD position in Soft Robotics Systems
- Designation | PhD Student (100%, Zurich, fixed-term)
- Research Area | Soft robotics, musculoskeletal systems, compliant actuation
- Location | Zurich, Switzerland (ETH Zurich)
- Eligibility / Qualification | Master’s in relevant field; hands-on prototyping; control/embedded systems knowledge; English proficiency
- Job Description | End-to-end design, fabrication, testing; rapid iteration; integrate ML and muscle-like actuation
- How to Apply | Single merged PDF; online portal; documents as listed; contact for questions
- Last Date for Apply | Open Now
