PhD Student in Medical & Surgical Robotics
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Medical Robotics Lab (MeRo Lab), led by Prof. Quentin Boehler, is a newly formed research group at ETH Zurich, commencing in March 2026.
Our goal is to address fundamental and technological challenges in medical and surgical robotics in response to unmet clinical needs. We pursue two complementary approaches: (i) enhancing foundational robotics capabilities in actuation, sensing, surgical vision, and safe autonomous control; and (ii) developing technologies that align with clinical requirements across various care environments and scenarios.
Through close collaboration with clinicians and interdisciplinary research, we aim to translate innovative concepts into clinically relevant systems that enhance access to high-quality medical care while also exploring new fundamental aspects of robotics and related fields.
The MeRo Lab is seeking diverse and excellent candidates to embark on this new journey at ETH Zurich. As one of the first members of this group, you will have the unique opportunity to:
- Shape the directions and culture of the group in its early stages
- Freely explore your ideas under scientific support and guidance
- Get involved in areas adjacent to academic research (e.g., teaching & education in the Master of Science in Robotics, Systems, and Control)
Research Focus
Our group aims to build and strengthen a medical and surgical robotics research activity at ETH Zurich in close collaboration with local and international clinical partners. Core research areas include:
- Design, modeling, and performance assessment of medical and surgical robots
- Dexterous actuation for soft continuum robots
- Sensing and tracking of minimally invasive robotic systems
- Autonomous control in uncertain anatomical environments
- Computer vision for image-guided robotic procedures (including endoscopic, MR-, US-guided)
- Surgical training and simulation
Job Description
You are expected to:
- Conduct theoretical and experimental robotics research
- Communicate scientific results in written and oral form, including conference presentations
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals in robotics and medical robotics
- Participate proactively in collaborative discussions with interdisciplinary partners
- Supervise bachelor's and master's students on related topics
- Monitor and investigate ongoing scientific developments in medical robotics
Profile
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with:
- A master's degree in Robotics, Computational/Computer Science, Mechatronics/Electrical/Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
- A strong interest in research in medical and surgical robotics, with a willingness to engage with clinical, industrial, and academic partners
- Experience and a strong research interest in one or more of the group's research focus areas
- Programming skills in Python/MATLAB, C/C++, and experience with CAD/FEM software
- Experience in one or more of the following fields is a plus: simulation frameworks (e.g., SOFA, NVIDIA IsaacLab), ROS1/2, machine learning, computer vision
- Excellent communication skills in English
As a member of a newly founded group, we also expect you to be:
- Involved in the group development and growth (including investigation of new clinical applications and research topics, lab organization, and maintenance)
- Proactive, creative, curious, and highly independent
- Team-oriented and able to interact with colleagues, as well as local and international graduate and undergraduate students
- Versatile and able to adapt to interdisciplinary environments
Workplace
ETH Zurich offers a constructive, friendly, and supportive group atmosphere that promotes open and stimulating scientific exchanges, where your voice can be heard, and initiatives are encouraged. You will have access to excellent facilities and a modern research environment that supports high-quality work.
We Offer
- A constructive and supportive group atmosphere conducive to open and stimulating scientific exchange
- Access to excellent facilities and a modern research environment to facilitate high-quality work
- Opportunities to collaborate with local, national, and international research groups, as well as clinical and industrial partners, to build a strong scientific network
- The possibility to mentor students and interns, contributing to their academic development
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote 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 see how we foster a fair and open environment for growth and development. Sustainability is one of our core values; we are continuously working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application along with the following documents:
- Motivation Letter - A letter that illustrates your motivation and suitability for the position (max. 2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae - Highlighting relevant experience, skills, and achievements (max. 2 pages)
- References - Names, phone numbers, and emails of 2 to 3 referees who can provide professional references
- Transcripts and Degree Certificates - Official records of all completed degrees
Optionally, you may include:
- Publications - A brief overview of your published works, preprints, or conference contributions relevant to the project's research direction
- Portfolio - Overview with project summaries and links to external sources (e.g., websites, code repositories, datasets)
Application deadline is January 4th, 2026, with an earliest starting date on March 1st, 2026.
For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Quentin Boehler at qboehler@ethz.ch.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our exceptional education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and provides an environment that inspires excellence. Located at the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.