Hochschulmedizin Zürich

Open Opportunities

Visual Language Models for Long-Term Planning ETH Zurich Robotic Systems Lab This project uses Visual Language Models (VLMs) for high-level planning and supervision in construction tasks, enabling task prioritization, dynamic adaptation, and multi-robot collaboration for excavation and site management. prioritization, dynamic adaptation, and multi-robot collaboration for excavation and site management Information, Computing and Communication Sciences Master Thesis, Semester Project

AI Agents for Excavation Planning ETH Zurich Robotic Systems Lab Recent advancements in AI, particularly with models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet, have showcased enhanced reasoning capabilities. This project aims to harness such models for excavation planning tasks, drawing parallels from complex automation scenarios in games like Factorio. We will explore the potential of these AI agents to plan and optimize excavation processes, transitioning from simulated environments to real-world applications with our excavator robot. Engineering and Technology Master Thesis, Semester Project

Development and Characterization of Magnet-Hydraulically Amplified Soft Actuators Empa Materials and Technology Center of Robotics This project aims to develop heat-resistant magnet-hydraulically amplified (MHA) soft actuators for high-performance wearable haptic devices or soft robotic systems. MHA actuators use an internal electromagnet and external permanent magnet embedded in a thin-film pouch to generate strong, high-frequency actuation forces by displacing water. While existing MHA actuators demonstrate promising capabilities such as robust operation in both air and water, their performance is limited by heat buildup within the membrane, reducing operational time. To address this limitation, the project proposes the use of heat-resistant materials in the actuator's construction. The work includes material selection, actuator fabrication using heat sealing or adhesive bonding methods, and comprehensive characterization of actuation performance (force, frequency, displacement, and repetition). Ultimately, the project will explore multi-dimensional actuator designs and integrate them into robotic systems such as wearable haptics and underwater devices. The work will be conducted at the Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics at Empa in collaboration with EPFL. Engineering and Technology Bachelor Thesis, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis, Semester Project

PhD Position in Computational Condensed Matter Physics Paul Scherrer Institute Laboratory for Materials Simulations We invite applications for a PhD position in the field of theoretical condensed matter physics, to join our research group (see https://sites.google.com/view/schueler-research-group/home) at the Paul Scherrer Institute and the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. The successful candidate will work on the project “Steering Dynamical Material Properties by Controlling Coherent Processes”, which aims to uncover novel ways of controlling quantum materials using through strong laser pulses. Theoretical and Condensed Matter Physics PhD Placement

Advancing Single-Molecule Sensing for Protein Analysis ETH Zurich Biosensors and Bioelectronics (LBB) In this project, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and optimization of a single-molecule sensor designed for the detection, identification, and analysis of important biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. The sensor technology is built upon the principles of microfluidics, nanofabrication, and machine-learning data analysis. It is an excellent fit for students who possess skills and a strong interest in these fields and are eager to engage in an interdisciplinary project with significant potential impact. Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Technology, Medical and Health Sciences, Physics Master Thesis

PhD Position in Innovation Management University of Zurich Prof. Dr. Anja Schulze Chair of Mobility and Digital Innovation Management (Prof. Dr. Anja Schulze) Start date: September 1, 2025, or by mutual agreement We are looking for a highly motivated and research-oriented candidate to join our team. The position offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD at one of Europe’s leading research universities, located in the heart of Zurich. Innovation and Technology Management PhD Placement

Modeling of Derna dam failure and resulting flood wave ETH Zurich Hydraulic Structures (Prof. Boes) The failure of the Bu Mansour Dam in 2023 produced a flood that was devastating to the city of Derna, Libya. Unfortunately, the failure process and the magnitude of the flood discharge remain uncertain. The purpose of this thesis will be to model a potential dam failure mode, simulate the downstream routing of the resulting flood, and assess the flood intensity in the city. Water and Sanitary Engineering Master Thesis

Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Machining Influences on Pillar Splitting for Fracture Mechanics Applications Empa High Performance Ceramics Micropillar splitting is a widely used method for assessing microscale fracture toughness due to its straightforward fabrication via FIB milling, laser ablation, or casting. However, these processes often introduce geometric and surface artifacts—particularly tapering and roughness—that can distort experimental results. Deviations from ideal pillar geometry and surface finish can misrepresent crack initiation and propagation, leading to inaccurate toughness values. This project uses finite element simulations with cohesive element modeling to investigate how tapering and surface roughness affect fracture behavior. By validating simulations with mechanical testing, the study aims to optimize sample preparation and develop correction factors, ultimately improving the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of micropillar splitting techniques. Interdisciplinary Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Master Thesis

Development of Physics-based Simulation for Aerial Additive Manufacturing Using Viscoelastic Fluids Empa Materials and Technology Center of Robotics Aerial Additive Manufacturing (Aerial AM) represents an innovative approach combining robotic flight systems and advanced materials science to construct infrastructure in remote or hazardous environments dynamically. Such aerial robotic platforms, equipped with manipulators that extrude viscoelastic materials, necessitate accurate simulation environments capable of concurrently modeling complex fluid dynamics and precise aerial robot kinematics and dynamics. The project will specifically evaluate simulation methodologies—Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and Material Point Method (MPM)—to build an integrated, physics-based Aerial AM simulation framework Architecture, Urban Environment and Building, Engineering and Technology Master Thesis, Semester Project

Silicon Nitride Grating Coupler ETH Zurich Institute of Electromagnetic Fields Simulation and Design of Grating Couplers Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Optical Physics Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Semester Project