The Soft Robotics Lab within the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zurich is inviting applications for a postdoctoral position within an industry-funded research collaboration. The lab's goal is to build, model, and control robots in a fundamentally different way, so that they become more flexible, dexterous, capable, and adapt better to their environment. The lab has showcased its research in robotic design and algorithms through real-world applications such as a robotic fish for underwater locomotion and soft robotic hands for versatile object and scene manipulation.
Tasks
- Lead the design, fabrication, and characterization of compact tactile sensing modules that provide multi-axis force information, fit within a human hand form factor, and remain robust under the wear of real-world manipulation.
- Survey and benchmark different tactile sensing modalities against each other, selecting the approaches best suited to the project's requirements.
- Integrate the resulting sensors into one of the lab's existing tendon-driven robotic hand platforms, optimizing readout electronics and packaging for seamless system integration.
- Design representative bench- and task-level benchmarks and demonstrate closed-loop tactile behaviors for real-time manipulation control.
- Co-supervise the PhD student and master's students working alongside you, take ownership of driving the work end to end, and lead dissemination through publication in top robotics venues.
Requirements
- You are an accomplished, hands-on researcher who wants to make a real difference with your work.
- You are highly independent and assertive in defending your research direction, while thriving when collaborating with and supporting others.
- A completed PhD in robotics, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
- A strong, published track record of hands-on hardware research: designing, fabricating, and experimentally validating physical sensing or actuation systems in the real world.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one relevant sensing modality (e.g. tactile, force, or optical sensing), and comfort working across electronics, mechanical design, fabrication, and signal processing.
- A track record of peer-reviewed publications in leading robotics venues that demonstrate both technical depth and real-world validation of results.
- Prior experience mentoring or co-supervising PhD or master's students, and a collaborative, supportive mindset.
- Strong written and spoken English, and comfort communicating results to an industry partner as well as an academic audience.
- Background or experience in tactile sensing or dexterous manipulation is a plus.
Benefits
- Your job with impact: become part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development and actively contributes to positive change in society.
- The opportunity to lead a component of an active industry research collaboration, with direct exposure to real-world deployment requirements alongside publication-quality academic research.
- Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.
- Work within a multidisciplinary team and have access to a world-class lab, state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, and the broader robotics ecosystem at ETH Zurich.
- ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected.
- Sustainability is a core value, with consistent work towards a climate-neutral future.
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Über uns
Das Team
You will work within a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with PhD and master's students. The lab offers access to state-of-the-art fabrication facilities and the broader robotics ecosystem at ETH Zurich.