PhD position in Biohybrid Robotics (Male / Female)

PhD Position in Biohybrid Robotics

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Join us in building the next generation of muscle-actuated robots in a lab renowned for its innovative biohybrid research published in Science Advances and Advanced Intelligent Systems.

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 outstanding researcher to contribute to our efforts in the fabrication and control of biohybrid robots. Our mission is to design, model, and control robots that are more flexible, dexterous, and capable of adapting to their environment.

Project Background

The forefront of research in soft robotics is focused on replacing traditional actuators with biological materials, leveraging the innate adaptability and energy efficiency of biological systems. Once considered a topic of science fiction, advancements have led to the development of fish-like swimming bio-bots, caterpillar-like walking bio-bots, and sophisticated biological machines powered by engineered muscle tissue.

Our lab, the SRL, is dedicated to designing, fabricating, and characterizing muscle-driven biohybrid robots. We produce muscle constructs through hydrogel casting, micro-molding, and bioprinting techniques, which are actuated via electrical stimulation and analyzed using motion tracking. Current research challenges include:

• Scaling up engineered muscle tissues
• Controlling myofiber formation during biofabrication and maturation
• Exploring tissue architectures, from biomimetic to biosynthetic forms
• Integrating proprioception into muscle-based actuators
• Identifying sustainable materials for biohybrid systems, including non-mammalian sources

Significant recent results from our lab include:

• Muscle-tendon bioprinting of mechanically optimized musculoskeletal bioactuators with enhanced force transmission (Filippi et al., Science Advances, 2025)
• Sensor-embedded muscle for closed-loop, proprioceptive control of biohybrid robots (Filippi et al., Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2025)
• Perfusable bioprinted skeletal muscle tissue at the centimeter scale (Filippi et al., Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2023)
• A perspective on microfluidics for functionally integrated biohybrid robots (Filippi et al., PNAS, 2022)
• Bilayered biofabrication unlocking skeletal muscle for biohybrid soft robots (Balciunaite et al., RoboSoft, 2024)

The doctoral candidate will work alongside an interdisciplinary team at the intersection of tissue engineering, biofabrication, robotics, and control. You will receive day-to-day mentorship from senior biohybrid researchers in the lab, including Miriam Filippi and Aiste Balciunaite, who are co-authors of several published works. Collaborations within ETH Zurich and with international partners such as IBEC Barcelona, University of Tokyo, and Empa will enrich the research environment.

Job Description

The thesis work will focus on:

• Designing and engineering bioreactors for mechanical tensioning, electrical stimulation, and long-term maturation of engineered muscle constructs
• Bioprinting complex muscle architectures using extrusion- and light-based techniques
• Fabrication, characterization, and motion modeling of muscle-actuated biohybrid robots, potentially utilizing machine learning for control and motion prediction
• Integration of engineered neural networks with muscle constructs and the development of proprioceptive sensing in living actuators
• Exploring new scaffolding materials and cell sources for sustainable biohybrid robotics

The outcomes of this PhD are expected to drive advancements in muscle-driven robots for applications in adaptive prosthetics, biohybrid medical implants, and regenerative tissue engineering.

Profile

• A strong commitment to research with an engineering mindset for solving complex interdisciplinary problems
• Thrives in collaborative environments and values scientific exchange across disciplines
• Holds a Master's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline (e.g., bioengineering, materials science, robotics)
• An engineering mindset is crucial; a purely biological background will not suffice for this role

Ideal candidates will have:

• An excellent academic track record and meet the general admission requirements for a doctorate at ETH Zurich
• Foundational knowledge in cell biology, mechanics principles, and materials science/engineering
• Experience in cell or bacterial culture, preferably through prior research work
• Experience with mammalian or non-mammalian cell culture, biomaterials, or biofabrication is advantageous

Workplace

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer offering excellent working conditions. This position is fully funded at the ETH-standard PhD salary, typically lasting four years, with a flexible start date in autumn 2026. The package includes a generous travel budget for international conferences and lab visits.

ETH Zurich is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage those from underrepresented groups in engineering to apply.

Why join SRL?

• Recent high-impact biohybrid publications in prestigious journals with active media coverage
• Access to a dedicated BSL2 wet lab, multiple bioprinters, electrical stimulation rigs, and motion-tracking setups
• Engagement in active international collaborations with leading institutions

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, and ensuring that everyone in our community is respected and encouraged to grow. Sustainability is a core value for us, as we strive towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

To apply, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.