PhD position in Soft Robotics Systems

Responsibilities

As a PhD researcher in our group, you will lead the design, fabrication, and real‑world testing of musculoskeletal soft robots end to end, turning ideas into working hardware that moves, grasps, and interacts with the physical world.

This is a builder’s role at its core. You will work across mechanical design, soft and compliant actuation, fabrication, electronics, and control to create complete robotic systems, then iterate relentlessly through hands‑on experimentation until they perform in the real world. Our recent work, from a biohybrid bone‑muscle interface that gives robots real muscles and tendons to a robotic fish, dexterous soft hands, and dynamic manipulators, reflects the kind of ambitious, physical research you would be joining.

• You will take musculoskeletal soft robots from concept to working prototype: conceiving the architecture, designing and fabricating the structural and actuation elements, integrating sensing and control, and validating performance through systematic real‑world testing
• Each design cycle feeds the next, so rapid prototyping, measurement, and iteration sit at the heart of the project
• Drawing inspiration from biological musculoskeletal systems, you will engineer how bones, joints, tendons, and muscles can be recreated with compliant materials and actuators, and how their interplay produces strength, dexterity, and robustness
• The goal is to build robots that derive much of their capability from their embodiment, achieving rich, adaptive behavior with less reliance on complex centralized control
• You will combine hands‑on mechanical design, fabrication, and experimental testing with modeling, actuation, and control to deliver complete, functional robots, ranging from single actuated joints to integrated multi‑segment limbs and full musculoskeletal bodies
• Close, day‑to‑day collaboration with the lab’s machine learning team and its muscles team will be required and is key to the project: you will integrate learning‑based control and sensing with the team’s biological and artificial muscle technology to build robots that no single discipline could achieve alone

You are extremely curious, highly motivated, greatly independent, and you want to make a real difference with your research. You work best when you are in a team, you are respectful and thrive when you can collaborate with others and provide support. Through your prior experiences, you have ideally already shown your understanding and skills in:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience building physical systems: prototyping, CAD, fabrication (e.g., 3D printing, machining, molding), electronics, or robot integration
• A bias toward action: you like to build, test, break, and iterate quickly rather than stay purely in simulation
• Working knowledge of actuation, mechanism design, control, or embedded systems, and a willingness to grow across the full robotics stack
• Prior research experience demonstrated through a Master’s thesis, research project, or equivalent work, with strong written and spoken English
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary, experimental research and the curiosity to develop new skills throughout the PhD
• A collaborative, supportive mindset and the drive to make a real difference with your research
• Background or interest in soft robotics, bio‑inspired design, or musculoskeletal systems is a plus

• Your job with impact:
  Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You will work within this multidisciplinary team and have access to a world‑class lab, state‑of‑the‑art fabrication facilities, and the broader robotics ecosystem at ETH Zurich

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.

We strive to become climate‑neutral and work toward sustainable practices.

ETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground‑breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting‑edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.