Hedan Bai

The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zürich, led by Professor Hedan Bai, is recruiting three 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 pioneer the development of distributed, addressable robotic actuating materials that leverage the broad bandwidth of light to achieve multifunctionality and physical intelligence, complementing artificial intelligence in robotics. Our international and interdisciplinary team, established in October 2023 within the Department of Materials, brings together material scientists, roboticists, engineers, and chemists passionate about futuristic robotics. We employ a bottom-up approach to create soft materials and devices that enable unconventional forms and functions for advanced robotic applications. The available positions span four research tracks: Track 1: Fiber-based soft optical actuator – Focuses on designing, modeling, and manufacturing high-performance, miniature fiber actuators for multifunctional soft robotic systems. Track 2: Soft optical actuator and network – Involves the development of soft optical networks for light multiplexing and distributed actuation, enabling novel robotic functions. Track 3: Biomedical soft robot with light – Centers on biocompatible soft materials for optical actuation and the fabrication of minimally invasive robotic devices for medical applications. Track 4: Soft robotic design with distributed addressable actuators – Focuses on 3D soft robots with integrated, addressable actuators, system integration for multifunctionality, and real-world demonstrations. All positions include opportunities to supervise master and bachelor students and assist in teaching the robotic materials class. Requirements: Postdoc candidates must hold a PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field from a top university, with a strong experimental background and documented achievements in soft actuators, devices, or robotic materials. Leadership and mentoring abilities, as well as strong interdisciplinary communication skills, are essential. PhD candidates should have a master's degree and an outstanding academic record in a relevant field, with research experience in soft actuators, optics, materials design, or biomedical robotics, and a passion for interdisciplinary research. Preferred expertise varies by track and includes fiber manufacturing, optics, microfabrication, polymer/biomaterial synthesis, and advanced soft robotic design. Funding: All positions are fully funded, offering competitive salaries according to ETH standards. The group provides a productive, collaborative, and diverse working environment, with strong connections to academic, industrial, and clinical partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare. ETH Zürich is a world-leading university in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to diversity and sustainability. The university fosters an inclusive culture and values equality of opportunity, supporting the growth and dignity of all staff and students. Application Process: Applications should be submitted as a single PDF through the official portal, including a cover letter specifying the desired track(s), CV, publication list with highlights, contact details of two referees, and transcripts for PhD applicants. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with full consideration given to those received before January 15, 2026. Direct inquiries can be sent to Prof. Hedan Bai at [email protected], but applications via email will not be considered. For more information and to apply, visit: ETH Zürich Job Portal .

The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zürich invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on light controlled variable stiffness for soft robotics. This exciting opportunity is supported by an ERC Starting Grant and offers a 4-year research program at one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology. The project aims to develop innovative methods for programming material stiffness in-situ using light, enabling high contrast transitions between rigid and soft states, rapid response times, and compact form factors. The research will involve multiphysics simulation, theoretical characterization, and the design and fabrication of active soft robotic surfaces for reconfigurable shape and texture camouflage, as well as actuators capable of in-situ programming of actuation modality and force. As a PhD student, you will contribute to the demonstration of these technologies in robotic and biomedical devices through collaborative efforts, supervise master and bachelor students, and serve as a teaching assistant for the robotic materials class. The position offers a competitive salary according to ETH standards, a vibrant interdisciplinary team, and strong connections with academic, industrial, and clinical partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare. ETH Zürich is committed to diversity, sustainability, and fostering an inclusive environment where all staff and students can thrive. Applicants should possess an MS degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields from a top-tier university. A strong research background in soft robotics, smart materials, or variable stiffness materials and robots is highly desirable. Excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for interdisciplinary research are essential. Application materials include a cover letter, CV, publication list (with highlights), contact details of two referees, and transcripts of academic records. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, with the preferred start date as soon as possible in the second quarter of 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Hedan Bai at [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the official portal; email submissions may not be considered due to high volume. ETH Zürich offers a stimulating environment for independent thinking and excellence, with over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries working together to address global challenges.

The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zürich invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the development of soft optical fiber-based artificial muscles for biomedical applications. This innovative project, funded by an ERC Starting Grant, aims to advance the field of soft optics by creating biocompatible, high-performance actuators multiplexed by light, all integrated onto miniature fibers. These actuators are designed to deliver advanced robotic and biomedical functions, including minimally invasive surgical tools and implantable devices. As a postdoc, you will be responsible for developing biocompatible soft actuators controlled by light, with performance matching benchmarked soft robotic actuators. Your tasks will include the design and microfabrication of soft optical fibers densely distributed with actuators, developing multiplexing methods for individual addressability, and demonstrating advanced robotic functions for minimally invasive surgical tools. Integration with bioelectronic functions, such as sensing for closed-loop controlled diagnostic and therapeutic functions, is also a key aspect. The project emphasizes real-world applications through collaborations and offers opportunities to supervise master and bachelor students, as well as serve as a teaching assistant for the robotic materials class. Applicants should hold a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields from a top university. A strong research track record in bioelectronics, soft robotics, flexible electronics, fiber-based devices, functional materials, wearable systems, or biomedical devices is required. Hands-on experience in device design, prototyping, experimental characterization, and TRL 3-5 demonstrations is expected. Knowledge of biomedical soft materials, textile/fiber processing, microfabrication, or soft actuators is highly desirable. Excellent problem-solving abilities and a passion for interdisciplinary research are essential. ETH Zürich offers a productive working environment with regular training and guidance from the PI, a competitive salary according to ETH standards (fully funded, full-time, fixed term), and a vibrant, interdisciplinary, international team. The group maintains strong connections with academic, industrial, and clinical partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare. ETH Zürich values diversity, sustainability, and equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture and climate-neutral future. To apply, submit your application as a single PDF via the ETH online application portal, including a cover letter, CV, publication list with highlights, and contact details of two referees. Optional transcripts of academic records may be included. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. The preferred start date is as soon as possible in the second quarter of 2026. For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Hedan Bai at [email protected]. Further information about the Department of Materials can be found on the ETH website. ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology, cutting-edge research, and commitment to sustainability and diversity. Located in Zurich, Switzerland, the university provides an inspiring environment for over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, promoting independent thinking and collaborative solutions to global challenges.

The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zürich invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the development of light multiplexed, fiber-based artificial sensorimotor networks. This innovative project, funded by an ERC Starting Grant, aims to expand actuation and sensing capacities in soft robotics using light modulation in soft matter. The research will create artificial sensorimotor networks with densely distributed actuators and sensors, drawing inspiration from biological neuromusculature. The project is structured in two main phases. The first phase involves developing a single soft optical fiber with distributed multimodal actuators that are also self-sensing, enabling advanced robotic functions through feedback-controlled optoelectronics. The second phase will explore the grouped behavior of these 'muscle bundles,' targeting high functional density and coordinated motion patterns similar to biological systems. The successful candidate will design and microfabricate soft optical fibers, demonstrate neuromuscular fiber capabilities, and investigate emergent behaviors in collaboration with experts in control and learning. Responsibilities include supervising master and bachelor students, serving as a teaching assistant for the robotic materials class, and contributing to the vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment at ETH Zürich. The position offers a competitive salary, full funding, and opportunities to collaborate with academic, industrial, and clinical partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare. Applicants should possess a PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or related fields from a top university. A strong research track record in micro robots, soft robotics, fiber-based robots, or related areas is essential. Hands-on experience in robot design, prototyping, experimental characterization, and TRL 3-5 demonstration is required. Knowledge of reconfigurable/multifunctional microrobots, small-scale soft robotics, and feedback-controlled systems is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for interdisciplinary research. ETH Zürich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology, offering a diverse and inclusive environment that values equality and sustainability. The university provides training and guidance from the PI, Prof. Hedan Bai, and fosters a collaborative atmosphere for personal and professional growth. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, publication list with highlights, contact details of two referees, and optionally transcripts of academic records via the official application portal. For further information, contact Prof. Hedan Bai at [email protected]. Please note that email applications may not be considered. This is an excellent opportunity for postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance their careers in soft robotics, optoelectronics, and materials science at one of the world’s leading universities.