Postdoc Position in Materials Science

ETH Zurich

Position: Postdoc and PhD positions in optically multiplexed soft robotic actuators
Employment: 100%, fixed-term
Location: Zurich, ETH Zurich

Position Overview

The Robotic Materials group is seeking two postdocs and one PhD student for the ERC Starting Grant project: "Distributed Addressable Robotic Material via Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing (ColorfulAct)".

ColorfulAct aims to establish the building blocks of physical intelligence parallel to nodes and connections in artificial intelligence. The project will develop distributed and addressable robotic actuating materials that demonstrate multifunctionality through the broad bandwidth of light.

The Robotic Materials group, headed by Prof. Hedan Bai (Department of Materials, ETH Zurich), was established in October 2023. It is an international, interdisciplinary team of material scientists, roboticists, engineers, and chemists focusing on soft materials and devices that enable unusual forms and unconventional functions for broader robotic applications.

Job Description

Track 1: Fiber-based soft optical actuator

  • Design and fabrication of high-performance soft optical actuators

  • Modeling and scalable manufacturing of miniature, highly integrated fiber actuators

  • Demonstration of multifunctional soft robotic systems

Track 2: Soft optical actuator and network

  • Design and fabrication of high-performance soft optical actuators

  • Design, modeling, and fabrication of soft optical networks for light multiplexing

  • System-level demonstrations where distributed actuation enables new robotic functions

Track 3: Biomedical soft robot with light

  • Design and synthesis of biocompatible soft materials for high-performance optical actuation

  • Design and fabrication of minimally invasive soft robotic devices (surgical tools/implants)

  • Proof-of-concept demonstrations in medical robotics applications

All tracks:

  • Supervise master/bachelor students

  • Teaching assistant for the robotic materials class

Profile

Postdoc requirements (all tracks):

  • PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field from a top university

  • Strong experimental background with documented achievements (publications, patents, prototypes, competitions) in soft actuators, devices, or robotic materials

  • Ability to independently lead research projects and mentor junior researchers

  • Strong communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration

PhD requirements (all tracks):

  • Master’s degree with outstanding academic record in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

  • Demonstrated research experience in soft actuators, optics, materials design, or biomedical robotics

  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and passion for interdisciplinary research

Preferred expertise:

  • Track 1: Advanced experience in fiber manufacturing or functional fiber integration; microfabrication

  • Track 2: Background in optics and experience with soft optical devices; microfabrication

  • Track 3: Skills in polymer/biomaterial synthesis and characterization for robotic applications

Workplace & Benefits

  • Productive working environment with regular guidance from the PI

  • Competitive salary according to ETH standards (fully funded, full-time, fixed-term)

  • Interdisciplinary, international, and diverse team of talents

  • Strong connections with academic, industrial, and clinical partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare

Diversity & Inclusion

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing a working and learning environment in which all staff and students’ rights and dignity are respected.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF:

  • Cover letter indicating the track applied for (Track 1/2/3 or a combination)

  • CV

  • Publication list with short summaries highlighting representative works

  • Contact details of two referees

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Preferred start date: December 1, 2025. Applications submitted before October 15, 2025 will be fully considered.

For further information, contact Prof. Hedan Bai at hedan.bai@mat.ethz.ch. Applications via email will not be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. It is renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries study and work at ETH Zurich, which fosters independent thinking and provides an environment that inspires excellence.

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