Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Soft Kinetic group pursuing a vision of life-like robot movement by translating mechanisms from biology as we conduct experimental validation of animal locomotion hypotheses by using robotic physical models. The candidate has demonstrable experimental robotics experience and a keen interest in biologically inspired mechanics and control. The successful candidate will develop robot locomotion capabilities leveraging their experience in mechatronics and embedded systems, whilst incorporating principles discovered in model animals. On the way to quantifying locomotion performance as a function of morphological and shape changes the ideal candidate will be comfortable in designing experimental test rigs.

Your responsibilities

• Develop novel bio-inspired robotic devices to investigate robust locomotion transitions
• Design mechatronic rigs involving interfacing through microcontrollers to the motors, angular encoders, force sensors, etc.
• Design and implement closed-loop control strategies for robotic systems
• Conduct experiments to evaluate the robot locomotion performance utilizing measurement techniques (kinematics, dynamics)
• Determine engineering requirements based on physical foundations underpinning designs
• Team work with group to integrate the developed systems into larger projects, propose follow-up research

Your profile

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Background in bio-inspired robotics, mechatronics, and embedded systems
• Experience with hardware design, additive manufacturing, prototyping
• Methodological and goal-oriented working behavior, good management skills
• Feels comfortable in a multidisciplinary environment and enjoys working in a team that combines expertise in materials and mechanical engineering
• Excellent communication skills generally, in English, both written and spoken
• Self-motivated, open minded and communicative attitude
• Record of publications in top-tier robotics conferences and journals is preferred
• Experience with underactuated systems, bending actuators and/or soft sensors is desired

Our offer

World class facilities on our campus include a Competence Center for additive manufacturing, ETH-Empa water and wind tunnels, and strong collaborative links within our ETH Domain family. 

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.