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RobotX PhD Fellowship in Robotics 2027

Apply once to multiple ETH Zurich robotics labs—choose up to three supervisors and define your PhD project.

Best for:Best for Master’s graduates in robotics, mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields with hands-on experience in robotics hardware and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research.

ETH Zürich · Zurich, Switzerland · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at ETH Zürich
Soft and Musculoskeletal RoboticsRobotic Locomotion and ManipulationBiohybrid RobotsPerception and Computer VisionHuman-Robot InteractionComputational Design and Fabrication
Deadline
N/A
Funding
Salaried
ETH Zurich doctoral salary rate with full social benefits
Start date
2027 (flexible, by agreement)
Full-time
Location
Zurich
Switzerland

Overview

The RobotX PhD Fellowship at ETH Zurich offers a fully funded doctoral opportunity for outstanding candidates interested in advancing robotics for real-world applications. RobotX, the Center for Robotics at ETH Zurich, spans a broad spectrum of research areas, including soft robotics, biohybrid systems, machine learning for robotics, human-robot interaction, and safety-critical robotic systems. Applicants are considered by multiple research groups across ETH Zurich, allowing them to select up to three potential supervisors. The fellowship provides a fully funded position with a competitive salary, social benefits, and access to a vibrant network of robotics researchers. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with their supervisor to define and execute their doctoral project, starting in 2027.

robotics PhD fellowshipETH Zurich doctoral positionrobotics researchmachine learning for roboticsbioinspired roboticshuman-robot interactionrobotics software frameworksreal-world robotics applications

What you'll do

  • Conduct independent research in a chosen area of robotics, defined collaboratively with your supervisor during the first months of the fellowship.
  • Develop and implement robotic systems or algorithms for real-world applications, leveraging interdisciplinary expertise.
  • Collaborate with multiple research groups within RobotX to explore innovative solutions in robotics.
  • Present research findings at conferences and publish results in high-impact journals or venues.
  • Participate in the broader ETH Zurich research community and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.
  • Engage in teaching or mentoring activities as part of the doctoral program.

Requirements

Degree required: Master’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, bioengineering, materials science, or a closely related field, completed by August 2027

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; excellent written and spoken proficiency required

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Excellent academic record in both Bachelor’s and Master’s studies
  • Demonstrated experience in one or more areas of robotics research, ideally with a project carried from concept to a working prototype on real hardware
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a drive for independent research
  • Strong programming skills, with experience in robotics software frameworks being a plus
  • Excellent written and spoken English proficiency
Nice to have
Experience with robotics hardware development and prototypingFamiliarity with machine learning or AI techniques applied to roboticsPublications or preprints showcasing research contributionsCollaborative experience in interdisciplinary research environments
Eligibility
  • Master’s degree completed by August 2027 in a relevant field
  • No restrictions on nationality or residency
  • No age limit specified

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
ETH Zurich doctoral salary rate with full social benefits
Duration
3 years (standard PhD duration at ETH Zurich)
Programme
ETH Zürich
ETH Zürich

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-27

Submit a single merged PDF file (under 10 MB) containing a cover letter, CV, transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, three references, and one publication or project report. Name the file with the application date and your last and first name. Apply exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal; email or postal applications will not be considered.

Documents required
  • Cover letter (research motivation, built projects, preferred RobotX research groups)
  • CV (including publications or preprints)
  • Transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (in English, with grading scale)
  • Names and contact details of three references (email and phone)
  • One publication, thesis, or project report demonstrating research and writing
↗Apply on site

Contact

Isabella De Nitti· Recruitment Contact

idenitti@ethz.ch

https://robotx.ethz.ch/

Lab
RobotX (multiple research groups across ETH Zurich)
ETH Zürich
Switzerland
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