Scientific Assistant in Industrial Robotics and Manufacturing

Research and Development in Industrial Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) at ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Markus Bambach, is seeking a highly motivated individual to contribute to research and development in industrial robotics, automated manufacturing, and metrology. The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of experimental robotic systems, develop innovative automation solutions, and contribute to scientific research in advanced manufacturing.

Research Focus

The lab investigates innovative manufacturing technologies by combining robotics, automation, process engineering, and data-driven methods. The 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, the work involves investigating methods for improving robotic capabilities through sensing, metrology, calibration, process monitoring, and data-driven approaches, combining the development of practical robotic systems with experimental validation and scientific investigation.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

What 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