The Robotic Materials group is looking for a highly motivated postdoc for the topic of light multiplexed artificial sensorimotor network. This 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 focus of this project is to expand both actuation and sensing capacities with light. The project will create an artificial sensorimotor network with densely distributed actuators and sensors similar to the biological neuromasculature. The first part of the project will develop a single soft optical fiber with distributed multimodal actuators that are also self-sensing. The second part will study grouped behavior of these “muscle bundles” to enable muscle coordination for complex/adaptive/efficient movements.

Job description

Based on existing light actuators in our group, develop self-sensing methods where the transducer serves both for actuation and sensing, and is feedback controlled with onboard optoelectronics
Design and microfabrication of a soft optical fiber distributed with such transducers configured for multiple modalities, and enable individual addressability through light multiplexing, based on the group’s expertise
Demonstrate the single artificial neuromuscular fiber for advanced robotic functions arising from the distributed and multimodal actuators and sensors
In the second part, create grouped neuromuscular bundles with extremely high functional density approaching orders of magnitude of biology
Investigate emergent coordinated bundle behavior and motion patterns arising from biologically similar redundancy with collaborations of control and learning
Demonstrate for advanced robotic functions
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

PhD degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or related fields from a top university
Strong research track records in one or more of the following: micro robots, soft robotics, fiber-based robots, or related
Hands-on experience in robot design, prototyping, experimental characterization, and TRL 3-5 demonstration
Knowledge of reconfigurable/multifunctional microrobots, small-scale soft robotics, feedback controlled soft robotic systems is highly desirable
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 with a few sentences highlighting representative works
Contact details of two referees
Optional: transcripts of academic records

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is 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.

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