Openings

Currently Available Positions

How to Apply: Interested candidates should complete this Google Form with: CV, Publication list  (if applicable), contact information for at least two referees. 
Deadline: Applications are due by end of January.
https://forms.gle/EaXP2PsmKk7Sao2d9

We are looking for exceptional candidates to join our growing, collaborative, and dynamic team. Positions are open in the following areas:

  1. PhD and Postdoc Positions in Dexterous Manipulation: Design, Sensing, and Low-Level Control

    Preferred start date: April 2025 or as soon as possible
    Topics of relevance include manipulator design, tactile sensing, modelling and control of anthropomorphic hands.  Please see our current work in the area here:
    Robust Anthropomorphic Robotic Manipulation through Biomimetic Distributed Compliance
    Embodied Manipulation with Past and Future Morphologies through an Open Parametric Hand Design
    Vision-language-action model and diffusion policy switching enables dexterous control of an anthropomorphic hand

  2. PhD and Postdoc Positions in Generative Design of Dexterous Robotic Manipulators. 

    Preferred start date: April 2025 or as soon as possible
    Topics:  Developing LLM powered tools for the generative design of complex manipulators, perform rapid evaluation of manipulator designs, and autogenerate fabrication instructions.
    See our related work here:
    How can LLMs transform the robotic design process?
    This positions are part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

  3. PhD Position in Soft Continuum Arm Design and Control

    Preferred start date: May/June 2025 or as soon as possible
    Topics:  soft robot design, soft sensing and control.  See our related work here:
    Trimmed helicoids: an architectured soft structure yielding soft robots with high precision, large workspace, and compliant interactions
    IMU Based Pose Reconstruction and Closed-loop Control for Soft Robotic Arms

  4. PhDs in Morphing and Adapting Robots for Locomotion for alpine environment

    (Part of the SNSF Starting Grant Project.)  Developing compliant, self-sensing morphing technologies which allow adaption of a robot to its terrain. 
    Topics: Soft and compliant mechanism design, controller design, locomotion. 
    Preferred start date: April-June 2025

Further positions in growing/adaptive robots are upcoming with a start date in August/September.

EPFL offers competitive remuneration and benefits, along with a world-class research environment featuring state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Its multicultural and inclusive workplace fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in Switzerland, EPFL is situated along the lakeside of Lac Leman, and has excellent access to the surrounding mountain landscape.

Important Details for PhD Candidates: PhD students must also apply to the Doctoral Program in Robotics, Control, and Intelligent Systems (EDRS) before starting their PhD at EPFL. For details, visit: https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/edrs-robotics-control-and-intelligent-systems/

You are welcome to contact Prof. Josie Hughes if you would like to discuss support for applications to PhD or postdoctoral Fellowships via external funding sources (e.g. CSC, Marie-Curie etc.). Please send a copy of your CV, and a short summary of research interests.