The Robotic Materials group is looking for a highly motivated postdoc for the topic of soft optical sensory skin. 

The Robotic Materials group headed by Prof. Hedan Bai at Department of Materials was established in October 2023. We are an international and interdisciplinary team of material scientists, roboticists and chemists with a passion for futuristic robotics. We take a bottom-​up approach to robotics and develop soft materials and devices that would enable unusual form and unconventional functions for broader robotic applications.

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 parallels to the thriving field of stretchable electronics, 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 goal of this project is to develop novel optical sensing scheme in soft materials and demonstrate the multifunctionality in complex real-​world environment.

• Design, micro-fabrication, and characterization of soft optical structures for multimodal sensing
• Develop theoretical understanding with multiphysics simulation
• Develop multimodal decoupling algorithms 
• Scalable O-skin fabrication and system integration onto robots and as wearables
• Realtime sensory mapping in complex environments
• 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.

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or related field from a top-notch university
• Productive candidates with outstanding publication records in stretchable electronics (with experience with soft materials, microfabrication and multimodal data processing) are highly welcomed
• Proficiency in oral and written English, circuit design, and a programming language
• Team player. Enjoy working in an open, diverse, and interdisciplinary team

• 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

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Statement of research achievements and interest (<1 page)
• CV
• Names and contact information of at least 2 references
• Representative publication/thesis

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Hedan Bai at [email protected].

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.