The Soft Robotics Lab within the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zurich invites applications for a doctoral position focused on designing, building, and advancing the next generation of artificial musculoskeletal robots. The lab aims to develop robots that are more flexible, dexterous, capable, and better adapted to their environment, drawing inspiration from biological musculoskeletal systems.
Tasks
- Lead the design, fabrication, and real-world testing of musculoskeletal soft robots from concept to working prototype, including architecture, structural and actuation elements, sensing, control, and systematic performance validation.
- Engage in rapid prototyping, measurement, and iteration throughout each design cycle.
- Engineer compliant materials and actuators to recreate bones, joints, tendons, and muscles, focusing on how their interplay produces strength, dexterity, and robustness.
- Build robots that achieve adaptive behavior with less reliance on complex centralized control by leveraging their embodiment.
- Combine hands-on mechanical design, fabrication, experimental testing, modeling, actuation, and control to deliver complete, functional robots, from single actuated joints to integrated multi-segment limbs and full musculoskeletal bodies.
- Collaborate closely with the lab’s machine learning team and muscles team to integrate learning-based control and sensing with biological and artificial muscle technology.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience building physical systems, including prototyping, CAD, fabrication (e.g. 3D printing, machining, molding), electronics, or robot integration.
- A bias toward action: preference for building, testing, breaking, and iterating quickly rather than staying purely in simulation.
- Working knowledge of actuation, mechanism design, control, or embedded systems, and willingness to grow across the full robotics stack.
- Prior research experience demonstrated through a Master’s thesis, research project, or equivalent work, with strong written and spoken English.
- Strong motivation for interdisciplinary, experimental research and curiosity to develop new skills throughout the PhD.
- A collaborative, supportive mindset and the drive to make a real difference with your research.
- Background or interest in soft robotics, bio-inspired design, or musculoskeletal systems is a plus.
Benefits
- Become part of ETH Zurich, which supports professional development and contributes to positive change in society.
- Public transport season tickets and car sharing.
- Wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ.
- Childcare and attractive pension benefits.
- Access to a multidisciplinary team, world-class lab, state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, and the broader robotics ecosystem at ETH Zurich.
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Über uns
Das Team
You will work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating closely with the machine learning and muscles teams, in a supportive and inclusive environment.