ML Robotics Researcher: Soft Grasping & Manipulation

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 59,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TAFEP standards

Diverse workplace

Annual leave 25 days

Birthday leave

Dental benefits

Healthcare insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Networking opportunities

Job summary

The Singapore-ETH Centre invites applications for a full-time researcher position based in Singapore, focused on designing, building, and testing soft robotic manipulation systems for automated baggage handling in aircraft cargo holds.

You will work across mechanical design, soft actuation, fabrication, electronics, control, and ML integration, delivering functional prototypes and validated subsystems within a multi-institutional consortium.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience building or programming physical systems: prototyping, CAD, fabrication, electronics, robot integration, robot programming, or machine learning.
• Working knowledge of actuation, mechanism design, control, or embedded systems.
• Prior research experience demonstrated through a Master’s thesis, research project, or equivalent work, with strong written and spoken English.
• Bias toward action: you like to build, test, iterate quickly.
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset with drive to contribute across teams.
• Background or interest in soft robotics, robotic grasping or manipulation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Take soft robotic end-effectors and manipulation subsystems from concept to working prototype.
• Integrate sensing and control into machine learning algorithms for dexterous baggagemanipulation.
• Validate performance through real-world testing and iterative design cycles.
• Rapid prototyping, measurement, and iteration across all work packages.
• Collaborate with aviation industry partners and consortium teammates to integrate subsystems.

Skills

Prototyping

CAD

Fabrication

Electronics

Robot integration

Robot programming

Machine learning

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field

Tools

3D printing

Machining

Molding

Embedded systems

Job description

The Singapore-ETH Centre invites applications for a full-time researcher position based in Singapore, focused on designing, building, and testing soft robotic manipulation systems for automated baggage handling in aircraft cargo holds.

You will work across mechanical design, soft actuation, fabrication, electronics, control, and ML integration, delivering functional prototypes and validated subsystems within a multi-institutional consortium.