PhD Student (Doctoral Researcher) position in Robotics and Human Motor Control F/M

Job Description

The Robot Learning & Interaction group focuses on human-centered robotic applications in which the robots can learn new skills by interacting with the end-users.

We are seeking a PhD student (Doctoral Researcher) to join a new research project on human motor control and robotic manipulation, funded by an SNSF Ambizione grant led by James Hermus, PhD. The goal of the project is to investigate how humans regulate impedance during physical interaction, and how these principles can inspire robotic control and learning algorithms. This position will bridge neuroscience, control theory, and robot learning—combining human experiments, computational modeling, and robotic implementation.

The student will be based at the Idiap Research Institute (Martigny, Switzerland), as part of the Robot Learning & Interaction Group (Sylvain Calinon, PhD) and collaborate with the BioRobotics Laboratory (Prof. Auke Ijspeert) at EPFL.

Start date: September 2026 (flexible)

Application deadline: 15th April 2026

Profile

• Master’s degree in robotics, mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field
• Strong background in control systems, robotics, or machine learning, and solid mathematical foundations
• Interest in human motor control, physical interaction, and neuroscience-inspired robotics

How to Apply:

Step 1 – Submit this application

Step 2 – Apply to a relevant EPFL doctoral program (typically EDRS – Robotics, Control, and Intelligent Systems )
See phd.epfl.ch for details and deadlines.

James also welcomes informal email inquiries about the position: james.hermus@idiap.ch

Master’s projects and pathway to PhD:

If you are a current Master’s student interested in a semester project, Master’s thesis, or a visiting/internship project related to this topic, please contact James Hermus at james.hermus@idiap.ch.

We especially welcome students who are interested in continuing to a PhD after a successful Master’s or visiting project.

About Idiap

Idiap is a research institute of national importance that engages in fundamental research, education and technology transfer in artificial intelligence, machine learning and signal processing. PhD students are formally registered at EPFL one of the leading Institutes of Technology in Europe that offers extremely competitive salaries and research infrastructure.

Idiap offers competitive salaries and conditions in a young, high-quality, dynamic, and multicultural environment. Idiap is located in the town of Martigny in Valais, a scenic region in the south of Switzerland, surrounded by the highest mountains of Europe, and offering exceptional quality of life, exciting recreational activities, including hiking, climbing and skiing, as well as varied cultural activities. English is the official working language. 

At Idiap we place great emphasis on diversity and we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. Employment at Idiap is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications. Idiap does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by law.

Required languages

• English - Level advanced

Réf: 54007a0e-d14c-4542-a334-5cc97d7ac526