Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

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 focus on how to design robotic policies that enhance our understanding of the world humans inhabit.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Robot Learning who is passionate about tackling questions such as:

• How can we combine representations of the world with modern learning-based methods to enable larger scale and longer horizons?
• How can we apply Foundation Models, VLMs, VLAs, and robot learning to complex and long-horizon tasks that encompass manipulation, locomotion, and navigation in potentially unstructured, large-scale environments?

Our investigations feature real-world robots, including the Unitree G1 humanoid, Stretch 3, and drones. The Mobile Robotics Lab is actively engaged in various research projects across several fields, including:

• Robot Learning
• Spatial AI
• Robot Perception
• Mobile Manipulation
• Navigation and Exploration

For further details about our ongoing projects, please visit our homepage.

Job Description

• Lead and develop an independent research agenda in mobile robotics, innovating with modern learning-based methods, including Foundation Models, VLMs, and VLA architectures for embodied intelligence.
• Supervise and facilitate impactful research on the 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 cultivate collaborations within the ETH ecosystem.
• Co-supervise PhD and Master’s students while fostering a culture of technical excellence and ambitious experimentation.
• Engage in teaching activities, including the development of new educational 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.).
• Expertise in modern Robot Learning.
• Proficient in Python, C++, and contemporary tools such as IsaacLab, PyTorch, etc.
• Visionary Drive: Highly motivated and self-driven, with a desire to lead a team toward a greater mission beyond mere publication.
• Excellent communication abilities and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Workplace

We offer a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment bridging research theory and robotics in the real world, supported by modern lab facilities and flexible working conditions within a leading-edge research setting.

Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture. We uphold equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working environment where the dignity and rights of all staff and students are respected. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website.

Sustainability is also a core value for us as we consistently strive toward a climate-neutral future.

Interested in Applying?

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

• CV
• Transcripts including relevant publications
• Motivation letter
• References

For more 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 (note that applications via email will not be accepted).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is a premier institution recognized globally for excellence in education, cutting-edge research, and the transfer of knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking within an environment that inspires excellence.

Situated at the heart of Europe, we forge global connections to develop innovative solutions for today's and tomorrow’s challenges.