RobotX PhD Fellowship 2027

About the role

RobotX, the Center for Robotics at ETH Zurich, offers a fully funded doctoral fellowship for students who want to build robots that work in the real world. Applicants apply once and are considered by several RobotX research groups; candidates choose up to three supervisors and they review the application. The fellowship is based in Zurich and starts in 2027.

Research areas

• Soft and musculoskeletal robotics, robotic locomotion and manipulation, biohybrid robots
• Perception and computer vision, human-robot interaction
• Computational design and fabrication, reinforcement and machine learning
• Humanoid robotics, motion planning and control, safety-critical systems

The doctoral project is defined together with the supervisor during the first months.

Required profile

• Masters degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, bioengineering, materials science or a closely related field, completed by August 2027
• Excellent academic record in Bachelor's and Master's studies
• Demonstrated experience in one of the research areas, ideally a project from idea to a working result on real hardware
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and drive for independent research
• Excellent written and spoken English

Required skills

• Strong programming skills
• Experience with robotics software frameworks is a plus

What we offer

• Fully funded doctoral position at ETH Zurich, paid at the ETH doctoral salary rate with full social benefits
• Supervision by a RobotX professor and access to the RobotX network of robotics groups
• Public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports, childcare and pension benefits

Applications are made online only, as a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, transcripts, three references and one publication or project report, named with the application date and applicant's name. The deadline is 27 November 2026.