Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

Postdoctoral Researcher - Tactile Sensing for Dexterous Manipulation

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Soft Robotics Lab within the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a postdoctoral position within an industry-funded research collaboration. We are seeking an accomplished, hands-on researcher to lead the development of compact, durable tactile sensors for dexterous robotic hands, ensuring reliable manipulation even where vision falls short in unstructured, real-world environments. Our lab aims to innovate in robotic design and algorithms, making robots more flexible, dexterous, and capable of adapting to their surroundings. Our research has resulted in real-world applications such as a robotic fish for underwater locomotion and soft robotic hands for versatile object and scene manipulation.

Project Background

Cameras alone are insufficient for reliable manipulation due to challenges such as clutter, occlusion, and deformable objects. The sense of touch offers a vital solution; however, current tactile sensors often lack the compactness, durability, and measurement quality needed for dexterous robotic hands. As the postdoctoral researcher on this project, you will center tactile sensing in the hand's design rather than treating it as an afterthought. Building on the lab's expertise in integrating proprioceptive and tactile sensing into tendon-driven, musculoskeletal robotic hands, you will design, fabricate, and characterize sensor modules that provide multi-axis force information and facilitate integration into a functioning hand platform.

Job Description

• You will lead the design, fabrication, and characterization of compact tactile sensing modules that provide multi-axis force information, fit within a human hand form factor, and remain robust under real-world manipulation.
• You will survey and benchmark various tactile sensing modalities, selecting the approaches best suited to the project's requirements.
• You will integrate the resulting sensors into one of the lab's existing tendon-driven robotic hand platforms, optimizing readout electronics and packaging for seamless system integration.
• You will design representative bench- and task-level benchmarks and demonstrate closed-loop tactile behaviors for real-time manipulation control.
• As the senior researcher on the project, you will co-supervise PhD students and master's students, take ownership of driving the work end-to-end, and lead dissemination through publications in top robotics venues.

Profile

You are an accomplished, hands-on researcher eager to make a significant impact through your work. You possess independence and assertiveness in defending your research direction while thriving in collaborative environments. Through your prior experience, you ideally have demonstrated:

• A completed PhD in robotics, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• A strong, published track record of hands-on hardware research: designing, fabricating, and experimentally validating physical sensing or actuation systems in real-world conditions.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one relevant sensing modality (e.g., tactile, force, or optical sensing), with comfort across electronics, mechanical design, fabrication, and signal processing.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in leading robotics venues showcasing technical depth and real-world validation of results.
• Prior experience mentoring or co-supervising PhD or master's students, alongside a collaborative and supportive mindset.
• Strong written and spoken English capabilities and comfort in communicating results to both industry partners and academic audiences.
• A background or experience in tactile sensing or dexterous manipulation is a plus.

Workplace

We offer a stimulating work environment where you will have access to state-of-the-art fabrication facilities and be part of a multidisciplinary team within the broader robotics ecosystem at ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• A role with impact at ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development and actively contributes to positive societal change.
• The opportunity to lead a component of an active industry research collaboration, with direct exposure to real-world deployment requirements alongside academic research of publication quality.
• Numerous benefits such as public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a variety of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare support, and attractive pension benefits.
• A multidisciplinary environment with access to a world-class lab and cutting-edge resources.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. For more information, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability remains a core value for us as we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while establishing connections worldwide, we collaborate on solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.