Doctoral Position in Soft and Musculoskeletal Robotics, Biohybrid Systems, and Robot Learning ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zurich’s Soft Robotics Lab within the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems is inviting applications for open doctoral positions in soft and musculoskeletal robotics, biohybrid systems, and robot learning. The lab works at the intersection of hardware, biology, and learning, with a clear emphasis on building new kinds of robots that are more flexible, dexterous, adaptive, and closer in capability to biological systems.

The group’s research spans four broad directions: soft and musculoskeletal robotics, biohybrid living systems, dexterous manipulation and learning, and simulation for embodied AI. Candidates are encouraged to propose their own direction and define the research agenda rather than fit into a narrow predefined project. The lab highlights work on compliant structures, tendon-like actuation, electrohydraulic and HASEL actuators, engineered muscle and tissue-based actuation, anthropomorphic hands, dexterous world models, learned skill transfer, and high-fidelity soft-robot simulation.

The doctoral work is highly experimental and interdisciplinary. Students will be expected to take ideas from concept to functioning robot systems, including architecture design, fabrication, sensing, control, and validation through systematic real-world experiments. Depending on the project, work may involve compliant mechanisms, soft or bio-inspired materials, robot learning on real hardware, or biological laboratory work such as culturing and bioprinting tissue into controllable actuators. The lab also values open-source contributions, publication at leading venues, and international presentation of results.

Applicants should typically hold a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, bioengineering, or a related field. The posting seeks candidates with depth in at least one relevant area, such as hands-on system building, machine learning and control for real robots, soft or bio-inspired materials and actuators, tissue engineering and biofabrication, or physics-based simulation. Strong written and spoken English, prior research experience, a collaborative mindset, curiosity, independence, and a bias toward rapid build-test-iterate cycles are highlighted as important.

The position is based at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. The posting does not specify a funding package in the advertisement text, but it does state that the lab offers world-class fabrication and biological facilities, dexterous robotic hardware, compute for large-scale learning, and a multidisciplinary research environment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with several doctoral positions to be filled in the coming months and a start date by agreement, no later than mid next year.

To apply, candidates must submit a single merged PDF via ETH Zurich’s online application portal. The required documents are: a cover letter describing research achievements and interests and naming the preferred research direction, a detailed CV, transcripts of all degrees in English, names and contact information for at least three references, and representative published research work such as papers and thesis. Questions about the position should be directed to Federica Poltronieri at [email protected].