The Robotic Materials group is looking for a highly motivated postdoc for the topic of soft optical fiber-based artificial muscle for biomedical applications. This position is funded by our ERC Starting Grant.
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 a parallel to the thriving fields of soft devices and robots controlled by electrical signals, 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 focus of this project is to create biocompatible, high performance soft actuators multiplexed by light, all integrated on a miniature fiber, delivering advanced robotic and biomedical functions as minimally invasive surgical tools and implantable devices.
- Develop biocompatible soft actuators controlled by light with performance matching benchmarked soft robotic actuators
- Design and microfabrication of soft optical fibers densely distributed with actuators
- Develop actuator multiplexing methods for individual addressability
- Demonstration for advanced robotic functions as minimally invasive surgical tools
- Integration with bioelectronic functions (e.g., sensing) for closed-loop controlled diagnostic and therapeutic functions.
- Demonstration as robotic/biomedical devices for real-world application through collaborations.
- Supervise master/bachelor students
- Teaching assistant for the robotic materials class
- PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields from a top university.
- Strong research track records in one or more of the following: bioelectronics, soft robotics, flexible electronics, fiber-based devices, functional materials, wearable systems, or biomedical devices.
- Hands-on experience in device design, prototyping, experimental characterization, and TRL 3-5 demonstrations.
- Knowledge of biomedical soft materials, textile/fiber processing, microfabrication, or soft actuators is highly desirable
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
- 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
- Strong connections with academic, industrial, and clinical partners in materials science, robotics, and healthcare.
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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents as a single PDF:
- A cover letter
- CV
- Publication list with a few sentences highlighting representative works
- Contact details of two referees
- Optional: transcripts of academic records
The preferred start date is as soon as possible in the second quarter of 2026.
Further information about the Departement of Materials can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Hedan Bai, hedan.bai@mat.ethz.ch.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
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