Open positions

Summary of open positions

Open positions will be listed here when available:

  • NEW! PhD student position in computational neuromechanical modeling
  • NEW!! ERC-funded Postdoc position in hardware design and integration of amphibious salamander-like robots, CLOSED

NEW! PhD student position in computational neuromechanical modeling

The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one open PhD student position in computational neuromechanical modeling. The position is part of the ERC Synergy Salamandra project that started in September 2021, together with Prof. Andras Simon (KI Sweden) and Prof. Dimitri Ryczko (U. Sherbrooke, Canada). See some info here: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/salamanders-provide-a-model-for-spinal-cord-rege-3/

The goals of the position are (i) to develop numerical models of the musculoskeletal system of the salamander (and other related animals), (ii) to develop models of the physical interactions of the simulated bodies with water and ground environments, and (iii) to simulate neurons that relay proprio- and exteroception to locomotor circuits (together with computional neuroscientists in the team). The positions are fully funded for 4 years.

EPFL is one of the leading Institutes of Technology in Europe and offers extremely competitive salaries and research infrastructure.

Requirements:

Candidates need to have a Master degree in a field related to computational modeling and physics-based simulations, e.g. in computer science, mechanical engineering, or physics. The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong numerical modeling background, good programming skills, good math background (e.g. in dynamical systems), and interest in animal and robot locomotion.

How to apply for the position:

Step 1: The position is only open to applicants who have been accepted by the EPFL doctoral school (see http://phd.epfl.ch/). The first step is therefore to fill the applications for one of the relevant EPFL doctoral programs  (e.g. robotics or computer science).

Step 2: In parallel to step 1, or once accepted by one of the doctoral programs (please specify which doctoral program and the date of acceptance), the application to the position should be sent by email to Prof. Auke Ijspeert and consist of a motivation letter (explaining why you are interested in the project, and why you feel qualified for it) and a copy of the doctoral program application.

Informal inquiries about the relevance of an application can be sent to [email protected] (e.g. before or while submitting an application to the doctoral school), but responses can be slow because of a heavy schedule and a filled mail box.

Deadline and starting date:  The ideal starting date is September 2023 (with some flexibility). Applications will be considered starting from December 2022, and then continuously until the positions are filled.

Contact:  Information concerning the type of research carried out by the lab can be found at https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/ . You should send your application and any inquiry by email to: [email protected]

NEW! ERC-funded Postdoc position in hardware design and integration of amphibious salamander-like robots

The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one open postdoc position in hardware design and integration of amphibious salamander-like robots. The position is part of the Salamandra project, a Synergy grant funded by the ERC that started in September 2021, together with Prof. Andras Simon (Karolinska Institute, Sweden) and Prof. Dimitri Ryczko (U. Sherbrooke, Canada). See some info here: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/salamanders-provide-a-model-for-spinal-cord-rege-3/

The goals of the position are (i) to develop our next generation salamander-like robots (improving the Pleurobot and Salamandra robotica 2 robots), (ii) to equip the robots with tactile skin and other sensors, and (iii) to investigate neural models of the salamander locomotor circuits in closed loop (together with other Salamandra researchers). The position is fully funded for 2 years (and can be extended up to 4 years in total).

EPFL is one of the leading Institutes of Technology in Europe and offers extremely competitive salaries and research infrastructure.

Requirements:

Candidates should have a Ph.D. and a strong publication record in robotics design and integration. An ideal candidate would have prior experience in:

  • Bio-inspired robot design (e.g. legged, swimming, or snake-like robots)
  • Mechatronics integration
  • Tactile skins
  • Waterproof systems
  • Good management skills are a plus.
  • Fluency in oral and written English is required.

How to apply for the position:

Postdoctoral applications should consist of a motivation letter (explaining why you are interested in the project, and why you feel qualified for it), a full CV, two or three relevant publications, and the email addresses of two or more referees. PDF files are preferred. Please send your application and any inquiry by email to [email protected]

Information concerning the type of research carried out by the lab can be found at https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/ . In particular our amphibious salamander-like robots https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/research/amphibious/pleurobot/ and https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/research/amphibious/salamandra/

Deadline and starting date:

Applications are requested starting from November 15 2022, and will then be processed as they arrive until the position is closed. The ideal starting date is spring 2023 (with some flexibility). 

Contact:

Information concerning the type of research carried out by the lab can be found at https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/ . You should send your application and any inquiry by email to [email protected]