The Robotic Materials group is looking for a highly motivated PhD student for the topic of light programmable stiffness for reconfigurable soft devices and robots. This 4-year PhD position is funded by our ERC Starting Grant.

Project background

The introduction of fiber optics in the 1970s has revolutionized the telecommunications industry upon the replacement of copper wires and played a major role in the advent of the Information Age - One high bandwidth fiber optic cable can replace thousands of electrical links to transmit the same amount of information. As a parallel to the thriving fields of soft devices and robots controlled by electrical signals, soft optics is emerging as a new platform that uses the modulation of light in soft matter to encode multifunctionalities in the optical path.

The first part of this project will center around developing light-stimulated stiffness programming methods that surpass the performance of current variable stiffness benchmarks. The second part will focus on the application of this principle in several soft device/robot systems to demonstrate reconfigurability and multifunctionality for real-world tasks.

Job description

Creation of methods to program material stiffness in-situ with light. Goals: high stiffness contrast (rigid-soft), fast transition (<1s), and small form factor (< mm scale)
Characterization and developing theoretical understanding with multiphysics simulation
Development, design, and fabrication of an active soft robotic morphing surface for reconfigurable shape/texture camouflage
Development, design, and fabrication of reconfigurable soft robotic actuators for in-situ programming of actuation modality and force
Demonstration as robotic/biomedical devices for real-world application through collaborations
Supervise master/bachelor students
Teaching assistant for the robotic materials class

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, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields from a top-notch university
Candidates with strong track records of research in soft robotics, smart materials, or related fields (especially with experience of working on variable stiffness materials and robots) are highly welcomed to apply
Excellent problem-solving abilities and a passion for interdisciplinary research

Workplace

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.

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 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 reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The preferred start date is as soon as possible in the second quarter of 2026. Further information should be directed to Prof. Hedan Bai at [email protected]. All applications should be submitted through this portal, and applications through emails may not be considered due to the high volume.

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PhD position in light controlled variable stiffness for soft robotics

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