PhD candidate in Soft Robotics Systems / PhD candidate in Soft Robotics Systems

PhD Position in Soft Robotics Systems

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Soft Robotics Lab within the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zurich is inviting applications for an open doctoral position. We are looking for an exceptional, hands-on engineer to design, build, and bring to life the next generation of artificial musculoskeletal robots. Our lab aims to build, model, and control robots in a fundamentally different way, enhancing their flexibility, dexterity, capability, and adaptability to various environments. Our research has been showcased through real-world applications such as a robotic fish for underwater locomotion, soft robotic hands for pick-and-place tasks, and multi-segment arms for dynamic object manipulation.

Project Background

Today's robots are often rigid, fragile, and far from the agility and resilience of biological organisms. We believe the path to capable, safe, and lifelike machines leads through musculoskeletal soft robots: systems built from compliant structures, bones, joints, and tendon-like actuation, mimicking the bodies of animals and humans. As a PhD researcher in our group, you will lead the design, fabrication, and real-world testing of these robots from start to finish, transforming innovative ideas into functional hardware that interacts with the physical world.

This is a builder's role at its core. You will work across mechanical design, soft and compliant actuation, fabrication, electronics, and control to create complete robotic systems, iterating through hands-on experimentation until they perform reliably in real-world scenarios. Our recent work—which includes a biohybrid bone-muscle interface that grants robots real muscles and tendons, a robotic fish, dexterous soft hands, and dynamic manipulator arms—reflects the ambitious, physical research you will be part of.

Job Description

• You will take musculoskeletal soft robots from concept to working prototype: conceiving the architecture, designing and fabricating the structural and actuation elements, integrating sensing and control, and validating performance through systematic real-world testing.
• Each design cycle feeds the next, so rapid prototyping, measurement, and iteration are central to the project.
• Drawing inspiration from biological musculoskeletal systems, you will engineer how bones, joints, tendons, and muscles can be recreated with compliant materials and actuators, examining how their interaction produces strength, dexterity, and robustness.
• The goal is to develop robots that derive much of their capability from their embodiment, achieving rich, adaptive behavior while minimizing reliance on complex centralized control.
• You will combine hands-on mechanical design, fabrication, and experimental testing with modeling, actuation, and control to deliver complete, functional robots, ranging from single actuated joints to integrated multi-segment limbs and full musculoskeletal bodies.
• Close collaboration with the lab's machine learning and muscle teams will be essential: you will integrate learning-based control and sensing with advanced biological and artificial muscle technologies to create robots that no single discipline could achieve alone.

Profile

You are extremely curious, highly motivated, and deeply independent, with a desire to make a tangible impact through your research. You thrive in a team-oriented environment, showing respect and collaboration with your peers. Through your previous experiences, you have ideally demonstrated your understanding and skills in the following areas:

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Proven hands-on experience in building physical systems: prototyping, CAD, fabrication (e.g., 3D printing, machining, molding), electronics, or robot integration.
• A proactive approach: you enjoy building, testing, breaking, and swiftly iterating rather than remaining in simulation.
• Working knowledge of actuation, mechanism design, control, or embedded systems, with a willingness to grow across the full robotics spectrum.
• Prior research experience indicated through a Master’s thesis, research project, or equivalent work, with strong written and spoken English skills.
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary, experimental research and a desire to develop new skills throughout your PhD.
• A collaborative and supportive mindset with the ambition to make a significant difference through your research.
• Background or interest in soft robotics, bio-inspired design, or musculoskeletal systems is a plus.

Workplace

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team, working in a world-class lab with state-of-the-art fabrication facilities. Our laboratory is embedded within the broader robotics ecosystem of ETH Zurich, fostering innovative research and collaboration.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, an institution that not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive societal change.
• Benefit from a variety of perks, including public transport season tickets, access to car-sharing, a wide range of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare options, and attractive pension benefits.
• You will engage with a multidisciplinary team and gain access to cutting-edge resources and facilities at ETH Zurich.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We support equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn about our efforts to ensure a fair and open environment conducive to growth and success. Sustainability is a fundamental value for us—we are committed to advancing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application, which should be submitted using the form below. Please include the following documents as a single merged PDF titled with your last name, initials, and the application date (e.g., 20230701_DoeJane_application):

• Cover letter detailing your research achievements and interests.
• Detailed CV.
• Transcripts of all degrees (in English).
• Contact information for at least three references.
• Representative published research work (e.g., papers and thesis).

For further information about our group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Federica Poltronieri at federica.poltronieri@srl.ethz.ch (please, no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections all over the world, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.