PhD Position in Multi-State Programmable Robotic Matter

The Robotic Materials group at ETH Zurich seeks a PhD student to investigate programmable materials that can access multiple distinct mechanical states within a single continuous body. The project spans the design and synthesis of dynamic covalent polymer composites, multiphysics simulation of their behaviour across regimes, and integration into soft robotic demonstrators that exploit on-demand state transitions. The long-term vision is to create robots whose physical embodiment can be tuned through the programmable properties of matter itself, moving beyond conventional adaptive hardware. The position is fully funded for four years, with an expected start in the second half of 2026. Candidates should thrive in an interdisciplinary environment bridging chemistry, mechanics, and robotics.

• Design, synthesise, and rheologically characterise dynamic covalent polymer composites that exhibit programmable mechanical state transitions.
• Build theoretical models and multiphysics simulations to predict material behaviour across different mechanical regimes.
• Fabricate and integrate synthesised materials into soft robotic demonstrators that show multi-state control under external stimuli.
• Develop spatial addressability strategies enabling localised state modulation within a continuous material body.
• Demonstrate robotic functions such as locomotion, grasping, and navigation through constrictions that leverage multi-state material behaviour.
• Supervise bachelor's and master's students and contribute to departmental teaching activities.