PhD position in Multi-State Programmable Robotic Matter

ETH Zurich offers a full-time, on-site PhD position in Multi-State Programmable Robotic Matter. Candidates will research dynamic covalent polymer composites for soft robotics, with focus on material design, simulation, and robotic function demonstration.

This PhD role focuses on developing programmable soft materials that can transition between mechanical states under external stimuli. The goal is to integrate these materials into robotic demonstrators capable of functions like locomotion and grasping, supported by theoretical modeling and experimental validation.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize dynamic covalent polymer composites for programmable mechanical state transitions
• Develop theoretical models and multiphysics simulations to understand material behavior across different mechanical conditions
• Fabricate and integrate materials into soft robotic prototypes demonstrating multi-state control
• Create spatial addressability methods to enable localized state changes within a continuous material
• Demonstrate robotic capabilities such as movement, grasping, and navigating tight spaces using multi-state material properties
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to teaching activities

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field from a top-tier university
• Proven research experience in dynamic covalent networks, phase-change materials, rheology of complex materials, stimuli-responsive polymers, or soft robotics
• Strong motivation for solving fundamental materials problems with applications in robotics
• Excellent problem-solving skills and comfort working across chemistry, mechanics, and robotics disciplines

Nice to have

• Prior experience in polymer synthesis, mechanical testing, or material fabrication

What the company offers

• A productive research environment with regular training and guidance from the principal investigator
• Competitive salary according to ETH standards, fully funded, full-time, fixed-term position
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary, and diverse team in a vibrant research group
• Strong academic, industrial, and clinical partnerships in materials science, robotics, and healthcare

About the company

ETH Zurich fosters an interdisciplinary, international, and diverse research environment. The group is known for its collaborative, vibrant atmosphere and strong connections with partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare.

• Interdisciplinary and diverse team of researchers
• Stimulating, collaborative, and vibrant research group
• Strong academic, industrial, and clinical partnerships in materials science, robotics, and healthcare