Robert Katzschmann

ETH Zurich’s Soft Robotics Lab is inviting applications for several doctoral positions in robot learning , soft robotics , musculoskeletal robotics , and biohybrid robotics . The lab works at the intersection of hardware, biology, and learning: compliant mechanisms, tendon-driven and electrohydraulic actuation, dexterous manipulation, imitation learning, reinforcement learning, sim-to-real transfer, tactile sensing, embodied AI, and tissue engineering/bioprinting. Candidates may focus on either systems design (CAD, fabrication, electronics, motor control, robot integration) or learning (policies, perception, multimodal representations, real-robot RL), with opportunities to work on biohybrid actuators in the biological labs at ETH. Applicants should have a completed or nearly completed Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, computer science, materials science, bioengineering, or a closely related field. Strong English, interdisciplinary motivation, and evidence of turning ideas into working real-world systems are emphasized. A clear idea of what you want to work on and why it matters is also expected. The position is fully funded and paid as a salaried ETH Zurich doctoral employment contract, with a first-year gross salary of CHF 73,000 plus full social benefits. Conference travel support is included. The doctorate is within the D-MAVT doctoral programme and typically takes about four years. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until 2026-11-30 . To apply, submit one merged PDF through the online portal containing a cover letter addressed to Prof. Robert Katzschmann, CV, transcripts, thesis/project report, up to two publications/preprints, and two references. Email and postal applications are not accepted.