Postdoctoral Researcher in Robot Learning
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Mobile Robotics Lab at ETH Zürich is at the forefront of advancing robot intelligence. Our mission is to explore how we can develop robot policies that are better aligned with the complexities of the human world.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Robot Learning who is passionate about tackling questions such as:
- How can we integrate representations of the world with modern learning-based methods to enable larger scale and longer horizons?
- How can we leverage Foundation Models, Vision-Language Models (VLMs), Vision-Language Architectures (VLAs), and robotic learning for complex, long-horizon tasks that involve manipulation, locomotion, and navigation in potentially unstructured and large-scale environments?
Our research is conducted using a variety of real-world robots, including the Unitree G1 humanoid, Stretch 3, and drones.
The Mobile Robotics Lab is engaged in numerous active research projects across the following areas:
- Robot Learning
- Spatial AI
- Robot Perception
- Mobile Manipulation
- Navigation and Exploration
For further details about individual projects, please visit our homepage.
Job Description
- Lead and shape an independent research agenda in mobile robotics, pioneering the application of modern learning-based methods, including but not limited to Foundation Models, VLMs, and VLA architectures for embodied intelligence.
- Supervise and enable high-impact research on our lab's humanoid platform (Unitree G1), advancing the boundaries of 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, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and ambitious experimentation.
- Participate 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 impactful publications in top-tier venues (CORL, ICRA, RSS, NeurIPS, CVPR, etc.).
- Expert knowledge in modern Robot Learning.
- Proficient in Python, C++, and contemporary tools such as IsaacLab and PyTorch.
- Visionary Drive: Highly motivated, self-driven, and eager to lead a team toward a broader mission. You are focused not just on publication but on solving real-world robotics challenges.
- Excellent communication skills and a passion for mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Workplace
The Mobile Robotics Lab fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment bridging academic research and practical robotics applications.
We Offer
- Opportunity to work on groundbreaking research in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
- A multidisciplinary team that connects research theory with real-world robotics.
- Access to modern lab facilities and flexible working conditions in a leading-edge research environment.
- Commitment to diversity through flexible hours and part-time arrangements.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zürich is committed to creating an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity. We respect the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. For more information, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn about how we maintain a fair and supportive environment. Sustainability is a core value; we continually strive towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the form below.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For further information about the Mobile Robotics Lab, please visit our website. Any questions regarding the position should be directed to Isabella De Nitti at isabella.denitti@mrl.ethz.ch (no applications).
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is recognized as one of the world's leading universities in science and technology. We are known for our outstanding education, pioneering research, and our commitment to transferring new knowledge to society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find ETH Zurich an inspiring environment that promotes independent thought and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we are dedicated to collaborating globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.