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Hedan Bai
1 year ago
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Robotics and Materials Science ETH Zürich in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD, Postdoc
Field of study
Biomedical Engineering
Funding
Competitive salary according to ETH standards; fully funded, full-time, fixed term position; funded by ERC Starting Grant (Horizon Europe).
Deadline
Expired
Country
Switzerland
University
ETH Zürich
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About this position
The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zürich, led by Prof. Hedan Bai, is recruiting two postdoctoral researchers and one PhD student for the ERC Starting Grant project "Distributed Addressable Robotic Material via Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing (ColorfulAct)." This ambitious project aims to develop distributed, addressable robotic actuating materials that demonstrate multifunctionality through the broad bandwidth of light, establishing the building blocks of physical intelligence in parallel to artificial intelligence. The group, based in the Department of Materials, is interdisciplinary and international, bringing together material scientists, roboticists, engineers, and chemists passionate about futuristic robotics.
Research will focus on three tracks: (1) fiber-based soft optical actuators, (2) soft optical actuator networks for light multiplexing, and (3) biomedical soft robots using light, including the design and synthesis of biocompatible materials and minimally invasive devices for medical applications. All positions involve experimental research, device fabrication, and system-level demonstrations, as well as opportunities to supervise junior students and assist in teaching. Applicants for postdoc positions must hold a PhD in a relevant field and have a strong experimental background with documented achievements in soft actuators or robotic materials, as well as leadership and communication skills. PhD applicants should have a master’s degree and an outstanding academic record in a related field, with demonstrated research experience in soft actuators, optics, materials design, or biomedical robotics.
Preferred expertise includes fiber manufacturing, optics, microfabrication, and polymer/biomaterial synthesis. The positions are fully funded with competitive salaries according to ETH standards, and the group offers a vibrant, collaborative environment with strong academic, industrial, and clinical connections. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with full consideration for those submitted before October 15th, 2025. The preferred start date is December 1st, 2025.
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF through the application portal and should include a cover letter specifying the track(s) of interest, CV, publication list with highlights, and contact details for two referees. ETH Zürich is a world-leading university in science and technology, renowned for its excellence in education and research, and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity.
Funding details
Competitive salary according to ETH standards; fully funded, full-time, fixed term position; funded by ERC Starting Grant (Horizon Europe).
What's required
For postdocs: PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field from a top university; strong experimental background with documented achievements in soft actuators, devices, or robotic materials; ability to independently lead research projects and mentor junior researchers; strong communication skills. For PhD: Master's degree and outstanding academic record from a top university in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field; demonstrated research experience in soft actuators, optics, materials design, or biomedical robotics; excellent problem-solving abilities and a passion for interdisciplinary research. Preferred expertise includes fiber manufacturing, optics, microfabrication, and polymer/biomaterial synthesis.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Professor at ETH Zürich
ETH Zürich
Research Interests
Polymer Chemistry
Biomaterials
Soft Robotics
Polymer Synthesis
Robotics
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.