PhD in Multi-State Programmable Robotic Matter at ETH Zurich

Opportunity	PhD in Multi-State Programmable Robotic Matter at ETH Zurich
Host	ETH Zurich
Location	Zurich, Switzerland
Study Level	PhD
Funding	Fully Funded, stipend provided, tuition covered
Stipend	Competitive salary according to ETH standards. Fully funded, full-time, fixed term position.
Application Deadline	Open until filled
Apply	Official application page ↗

About the Position

The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zurich is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on programmable materials that access multiple distinct mechanical states for next-generation robotic matter systems. This 4-year PhD position is fully funded.

Project Background

Modern robots increasingly rely on sophisticated mechanisms, such as modular architectures, reconfigurable linkages, deployable structures, and variable-stiffness components, to adapt their bodies to different tasks and environments. However, such adaptability is often achieved by changing geometry, connectivity, or control strategies, while the underlying material properties remain largely fixed.

This project explores a more fundamental route: robotic matter whose constitutive properties can be programmed on demand. By enabling mechanical modulus, viscoelastic response, and flow behavior to be reconfigured within a single continuous body, we aim to move beyond adaptive hardware architectures towards materials that actively participate in robotic function. The long-term vision is to create robots that can tune their physical embodiment through the programmable properties of matter itself.

Job Description

• Design, synthesis, and rheological characterization of dynamic covalent polymer composites targeting programmable mechanical state transitions.
• Development of theoretical understanding and multiphysics simulation of material behavior across mechanical regimes.
• Fabrication and integration of materials into soft robotic demonstrators showcasing multi-state control under external stimuli.
• Development of spatial addressability strategies to achieve localized state modulation in a continuous material body.
• Demonstration of robotic functions (locomotion, grasping, navigation through constrictions) that exploit multi-state material behavior.
• Supervision of bachelor/master students and participation in teaching.
• This is a full-time position that starts as soon as possible. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Profile

• MS degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields from a leading university.
• Strong research track record in one or more of the following: dynamic covalent networks, phase-change materials, rheology of complex materials, stimuli-responsive polymers, or soft robotics.
• Enthusiasm for fundamental materials challenges with a drive toward robotic applications.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and comfort with interdisciplinary work spanning chemistry, mechanics, and robotics.
• Experience with polymer synthesis, mechanical testing, or material fabrication is a strong plus.

We Offer

• A productive working environment with training and guidance from the PI on a regular basis.
• Competitive salary according to ETH standards (fully funded, full-time, fixed term position).
• An interdisciplinary, international, and diverse team of talents and a stimulating, vibrant, collaborative group.
• Strong connections with academic, industrial, and clinical partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare.

Application Requirements

Submit application with the following documents as a single PDF:

• A cover letter.
• CV.
• Publication list, if any, with a few sentences highlighting representative works.
• Contact details of two referees.
• Transcripts of academic records.

Applications are exclusively accepted through the online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The preferred start date is as soon as possible in the 3rd/4th quarter of 2026.

Contact

• Email: hedan.bai@mat.ethz.ch

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.

Official Link

https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_hkSa6WxM6WZBjeh5nk

Important Notes

• This is a full-time, fixed-term position with competitive salary according to ETH standards.
• Applications evaluated on a rolling basis until filled.
• Preferred start date: as soon as possible in Q3/Q4 2026.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is Switzerland's federal institute of technology in Zurich. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, architecture and related disciplines. Its research connects fundamental scientific questions with technological applications, supporting international collaboration and training for students interested in advanced study, innovation and scientific discovery.

Official website: https://ethz.ch

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: Open until filled. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.

Open the official application page ↗

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps