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. We are looking for an accomplished, hands-on researcher to lead the development of compact, durable tactile sensors for dexterous robotic hands, so that these hands can manipulate reliably even where vision falls short in unstructured, real-world settings. Our 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.
Project background
Cameras alone are not enough for reliable manipulation: clutter, occlusion, and deformable objects routinely defeat vision-based approaches in real-world settings. The sense of touch closes this gap, yet today's tactile sensors still fall short of the compactness, durability, and measurement quality that dexterous robotic hands demand. As the postdoctoral researcher on this project, you will put tactile sensing at the center of the hand's design rather than treating it as an afterthought. Building on the lab's experience integrating proprioceptive and tactile sensing into tendon-driven, musculoskeletal robotic hands, you will design, fabricate, and characterize sensor modules that provide multi-axis force information, and drive their integration into a working hand platform.
Job description
- You will 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
- You will survey and benchmark different tactile sensing modalities against each other, selecting the approaches best suited to the project's requirements
- You will 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
- You will design representative bench- and task-level benchmarks and demonstrate closed-loop tactile behaviors for real-time manipulation control
- As the senior researcher on the project, you will 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
Profile
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. Through your prior experience, you have ideally already demonstrated:
- 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
We offer
- Your job with impact: become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also 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
- You can expect 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
- You will 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
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application the latest by 30 August 2026 with the following documents as a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initials as well as the application date (for example, 20260701_DoeJane_application) in the following order:
- Cover letter addressed to Prof. Robert Katzschmann with a description of your research achievements and research interests
- Detailed CV, including a list of publications
- Transcripts of all degrees (English)
- Names and contact information of at least three references
- Representative published research work (e.g., papers and thesis)
Further information about our group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Federica Poltronieri, federica.poltronieri@srl.ethz.ch (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.