Empa

Postdoctoral Researcher in Bio-inspired Robotics

Dübendorf, Switzerland

Unspecified

Apply now

Save job

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.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Bio-inspired Robotics

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.

You will be welcomed to join a vibrant, diverse environment in the heart of Europe. Empa’s main campus, where the Soft Kinetic Group in Engineering Sciences Department, is located close to downtown Zürich and 20 minutes from Zurich International Airport. Zurich is among the cities with the highest quality of life worldwide, welcoming to non-German speaking people, and with ample opportunities for social, cultural, and outdoor activities.

You will have the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team of researchers in the field of bio-inspired robotics. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package as well as opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Applications are open immediately with the desired commencement date is as soon as is practicable or upon mutually agreed. The duration of this position is offered until 31 Ocotber 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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.