Scientific Assistant in Industrial Robotics and Manufacturing

Scientific Assistant in Industrial Robotics and Manufacturing

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Markus Bambach, is seeking a highly motivated Scientific Assistant to contribute to research and development in industrial robotics, automated manufacturing, and metrology.

We are looking for a candidate who combines strong programming skills with hands-on experience in robotic hardware, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and can independently develop and implement robotic solutions.

The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of experimental robotic systems, develop innovative automation solutions, and contribute to scientific research in advanced manufacturing.

Project background

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab at ETH Zurich investigates innovative manufacturing technologies by combining robotics, automation, process engineering, and data-driven methods.

Our research aims to make industrial robotic systems more flexible, accurate, autonomous, and reliable. Applications include robotic manipulation, pick-and-place operations, and manufacturing processes such as welding, adhesive bonding, and drilling.

Beyond conventional robot programming, we investigate methods for improving robotic capabilities through sensing, metrology, calibration, process monitoring, and data-driven approaches. Our work combines the development of practical robotic systems with experimental validation and scientific investigation.

Job description

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Independently develop, program, and operate industrial robotic systems for automated manufacturing and manipulation tasks
• Design and implement robotic applications, including pick-and-place operations, welding, adhesive bonding, drilling, and related manufacturing processes
• Integrate robotic hardware, including end-effectors, sensors, measurement equipment, tooling, and peripheral systems
• Develop and maintain software for robot control, motion planning, and automation, using version control, automated testing, and deployment workflows
• Design and implement automated data acquisition and processing workflows to collect, synchronize, visualize, and analyze robotic and manufacturing process data
• Integrate metrology and sensing technologies to evaluate and improve robot positioning accuracy, calibration, repeatability, and process quality
• Independently plan and conduct experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and evaluate system performance
• Contribute to scientific research by developing and validating novel methods, analyzing experimental results, and preparing scientific publications
• Collaborate with researchers, students, and industrial partners on robotics and manufacturing projects

Profile

We are looking for an independent, technically skilled, and research-oriented engineer who enjoys working with real robotic systems and transforming ideas into functioning experimental solutions.

You should have:

• A Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a closely related field
• Hands-on experience in programming, operating, or integrating robotic systems, gained through research, academic projects, or industry
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, C++, or comparable languages, with experience in developing and maintaining software for robotics and automation
• A solid understanding of robotic kinematics, coordinate transformations, motion planning, and control principles
• Practical experience with robotic hardware, including the integration, configuration, or troubleshooting of sensors, actuators, end-effectors, or mechanical components
• Proficiency with Git and version control, along with familiarity with software testing and continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows
• Experience with experimental work, data acquisition, and analysis of measurement data
• The ability to independently solve technical problems, combined with creativity, initiative, and a systematic approach to engineering challenges
• A strong interest in scientific research and the development of innovative robotic technologies
• Fluent English, both written and spoken
• Knowledge of German is an advantage

The following qualifications would be an advantage:

• Experience with industrial robots, such as ABB, KUKA, FANUC, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with the Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS 2) or other robotics frameworks
• Experience with robotic manufacturing applications, including manipulation, assembly, welding, adhesive bonding, machining, or drilling
• Knowledge of robotic metrology, calibration, coordinate measurement systems, or robot accuracy assessment
• Experience with machine vision, force/torque sensors, laser measurement systems, industrial communication interfaces, or real-time data acquisition
• Familiarity with Linux, Docker, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, or similar software development and deployment tools
• Experience with CAD, mechanical design, or the development of custom robotic tooling and experimental setups
• Previous involvement in scientific research projects or publications

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who combine practical engineering skills, scientific curiosity, and the ambition to independently develop and investigate new robotic technologies.

We offer

At the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, you will join an interdisciplinary research environment combining robotics, mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work on challenging research problems involving industrial robotics, intelligent automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies
• A high degree of technical and scientific independence, with the opportunity to take ownership of robotic systems and research activities from concept development to experimental validation
• The freedom to contribute ideas, explore innovative approaches, and help shape ongoing research activities
• Access to ETH Zurich's research infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration with experienced researchers and industrial partners
• Opportunities for professional development, scientific publications, and international research exchange
• The possibility of pursuing a PhD at ETH Zurich, subject to mutual interest, a suitable research topic, available opportunities, and fulfilment of ETH Zurich's doctoral admission requirements

We value diversity and sustainability

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.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter describing your experience and interest in robotics, automation, and manufacturing research
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

Optional but encouraged:

• Portfolio, GitHub repository, videos, or examples of previous robotics, automation, or hardware-related projects
• Previous scientific publications, conference papers, research reports, or other examples of academic and research contributions

Further information about the Advanced Manufacturing Lab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Jan Petrik, jpetrik@ethz.ch (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

We particularly welcome applications that demonstrate hands-on experience with robotic systems, including examples of systems you have programmed, developed, integrated, or experimentally investigated.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.