PhD position in Biohybrid Robotics ETH Zürich in Switzerland

The Soft Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich, part of the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Biohybrid Robotics. This opportunity is ideal for candidates eager to advance the frontier of muscle-actuated robots, leveraging recent breakthroughs in biohybrid systems published in top journals such as Science Advances and Advanced Intelligent Systems. The lab’s mission is to build, model, and control robots using biological actuators, aiming for greater flexibility, dexterity, and adaptability compared to traditional designs.

Recent lab achievements include 3D-bioprinted muscle-tendon interfaces with enhanced force transmission and sensor-embedded muscle constructs enabling closed-loop proprioceptive control. The research environment is highly interdisciplinary, combining tissue engineering, biofabrication, robotics, and control, and features collaborations with international partners like IBEC Barcelona, the University of Tokyo, and Empa.

The PhD project will focus on designing and engineering bioreactors for mechanical tensioning, electrical stimulation, and maturation of engineered muscle constructs; bioprinting complex muscle architectures; and fabricating, characterizing, and modeling muscle-actuated biohybrid robots. Machine learning approaches may be used for control and motion prediction. Additional research directions include integrating neural networks with muscle constructs, developing proprioceptive sensing in living actuators, and exploring new scaffolding materials and cell sources for sustainable biohybrid robotics.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field (bioengineering, materials science and engineering, robotics), possess an engineering mindset, and have foundational knowledge in cell biology, mechanics, and materials science. Prior research experience with cell or bacterial culture is required, and experience with biomaterials or biofabrication is advantageous. The position is fully funded for four years at the ETH-standard PhD salary, with a flexible start date in autumn 2026 and a generous travel budget for conferences and lab visits.

ETH Zurich is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates, especially those from underrepresented groups in engineering. The university offers excellent working conditions, a dedicated BSL2 wet lab, multiple bioprinters, and state-of-the-art facilities for electrical stimulation and motion tracking.

To apply, submit your application online by 15 July 2026, including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, references, and representative research work as a single merged PDF. Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. Federica Poltronieri at [email protected]. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For more information about the group and ETH Zurich’s doctoral program, visit the provided links.

ETH Zurich is a world-leading university in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to sustainability and diversity. Join a vibrant, international community and contribute to pioneering research in biohybrid robotics.