Postdoctoral Researcher in Robot Learning
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Mobile Robotics Lab at ETH Zürich is at the forefront of advancing robot intelligence. We are dedicated to exploring how we can design robot policies that enhance their understanding of the complex world inhabited by humans.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Robot Learning who is passionate about tackling significant questions, including:
- How can we integrate representations of the world with state-of-the-art learning methods to enable larger scale and longer horizon capabilities?
- How can we leverage Foundation Models, VLMs, VLAs, and robot learning to efficiently handle complex, long-horizon tasks involving manipulation, locomotion, and navigation in unstructured environments?
Our research encompasses several real-world robots, including the Unitree G1 humanoid, Stretch 3, and drones.
The Mobile Robotics Lab engages in various active research projects in the fields of:
- Robot Learning
- Spatial AI
- Robot Perception
- Mobile Manipulation
- Navigation and Exploration
For more details about our ongoing projects, please visit our homepage.
Job Description
- Lead and shape an independent research agenda in mobile robotics, pioneering modern learning-based approaches such as Foundation Models, VLMs, and VLA architectures for embodied intelligence.
- Supervise and facilitate impactful research on the lab's humanoid platform (Unitree G1), focusing on advancing sim-to-real transfer and semantic reasoning.
- Secure external funding (with strong institutional support) and foster collaborations within the ETH ecosystem.
- Co-supervise PhD and Master’s students, promoting a culture of technical excellence and ambitious experimentation.
- Engage in teaching activities, including the development of new teaching materials in robotics, perception, and autonomous systems.
Profile
- PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field with notable publications in top-tier venues (CORL, ICRA, RSS, NeurIPS, CVPR, etc.).
- Expertise in modern Robot Learning.
- Proficient in Python, C++, and modern tools like IsaacLab and PyTorch.
- Visionary Drive: Highly motivated, self-driven, and eager to lead a team towards a broader mission. You are not only interested in publishing but in solving real-world robotics challenges.
- Excellent communication skills with a passion for mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Workplace
The ETH Zurich environment fosters innovative research, collaboration with academic and industrial partners, and an inclusive culture that values diversity and sustainability.
We Offer
- Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research with leading academics and industry partners.
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary team bridging research theory and practical robotics.
- Modern lab facilities and flexible working conditions within a leading-edge research setting.
- Support for diversity through flexible working hours and potential part-time arrangements.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we continually strive towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
Apply online using the form below.
For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Isabella De Nitti at isabella.denitti@mrl.ethz.ch (no applications).
Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the effective transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 students from more than 120 countries, we foster independent thinking and inspire excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet globally connected, we collaborate to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.