RobotX PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 at ETH Zurich
Paid PhD and postdoc fellowships in robotics at ETH Zurich, with one application seen by up to three RobotX professors. Apply by 27 November 2026.
The RobotX PhD Fellowship 2027 and the RobotX Postdoctoral Fellowship are two calls from RobotX, the Center for Robotics at ETH Zurich. You send one application and several RobotX research groups across ETH Zurich can consider it. You choose up to three professors you would like to work with.
PhD fellows get a fully funded doctoral position at ETH Zurich, paid at the ETH doctoral salary rate with full social benefits. They define their doctoral project with their supervisor during the first months. Postdoc fellows get a one year contract, which ETH says is typically extended, at the ETH postdoc salary rate. They shape their own research agenda with a host professor and help mentor students. Both start on a date agreed in 2027.
The research groups work on soft robots, legged robots and robot arms, robots built from living cells, computer vision, human and robot interaction, design and fabrication, machine learning, humanoid robots and touch sensing, motion planning and control, and safety critical systems.
For the PhD you need a Master's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, bioengineering, materials science or a close field by August 2027. For the postdoc you need a doctoral degree in one of these fields by August 2027 and a strong publication record. Both postings ask for strong programming skills and good English. ETH says the best candidates have taken a project from idea to a working result on real hardware.
Apply only through the online portal linked from each posting. Send one merged PDF with a cover letter, CV, English transcripts, three references and one publication, thesis or project report. Name the file with the date and your name, as the posting shows. Email applications are not considered.
The deadline for both calls is 27 November 2026. RobotX says applications outside this window are not processed.
Quick answers
Can I pick who I work with?
Yes. You name up to three RobotX professors, and they review your application.
Is hands on hardware experience needed?
It is not a strict rule, but RobotX asks for research experience in its areas, ideally work on real hardware.
When will I hear back?
RobotX says final decisions are sent by 15 February at the latest.