PhD position in Multi-State Programmable Robotic Matter
Develop innovative programmable polymer composites for next-generation robotic matter systems.
Best for:Best for researchers with a background in polymer chemistry or mechanical engineering and a strong interest in soft robotics.
Overview
The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zürich is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to explore the fundamental design of robotic matter with reconfigurable constitutive properties. The project focuses on creating materials that can actively tune their mechanical modulus, viscoelastic response, and flow behavior to participate in robotic function. The successful candidate will engage in the synthesis, characterization, and simulation of dynamic covalent polymer composites. This role involves integrating these materials into soft robotic demonstrators to showcase multi-state control and localized modulation. The position offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with strong ties to academic and industrial partners.
What you'll do
- Design, synthesize, and perform rheological characterization of dynamic covalent polymer composites.
- Develop theoretical models and conduct multiphysics simulations of material behavior.
- Fabricate and integrate materials into soft robotic demonstrators.
- Develop spatial addressability strategies for localized state modulation in continuous materials.
- Demonstrate robotic functions such as locomotion and grasping using multi-state material behavior.
- Supervise bachelor and master students and participate in departmental teaching activities.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency required.
Instruction: English
- Strong research track record in dynamic covalent networks, phase-change materials, rheology, stimuli-responsive polymers, or soft robotics.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning chemistry, mechanics, and robotics.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online portal as a single PDF file. The application should include a cover letter, CV, publication list with highlights, contact details for two referees, and academic transcripts.
- Cover letter
- CV
- Publication list
- 2 reference contacts
- Academic transcripts
Contact
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