Laboratory Technician/Manager for Soft and Biohybrid Robotics Research

The Soft Robotics Lab seeks a highly motivated laboratory technician (50-70%) to support the group’s research in tissue engineering and robotics. The technician will work in the role of lab manager, with the main responsibility of guaranteeing the presence of a functional, active workflow for the researchers. This role requires the Lab Technician to manage our different laboratories (bio lab, chemical lab, fabrication, clean room) and ensure the operation of instruments. The technician will contribute to high-quality research within well-funded projects in an international team of highly motivated researchers. Upon agreement and funding availability, this role could become a full 100% position in the future.

The Soft Robotics Lab, led by Prof. Robert Katzschmann, aims to research soft materials and technologies to realize robots. Our interdisciplinary research group combines the fabrication of synthetic materials, computational sciences, mechanical and electrical engineering, and biology with a focus on tissue engineering. The Soft Robotics Lab is located in the CLA Building of the Department of Mechanical and Processes Engineering within the ETH Zentrum campus in Zurich.

The main responsibilities include:

• Ordering and cataloging of consumables/reagents
• Maintenance and repair of instruments (3D printers, incubators, autoclave, bio hoods, etc.)
• General support for the group’s ongoing research 
• Support the lab digital infrastructure (website, social media, data servers, file storage systems)

• Interested in contributing to innovation in robotics
• Excellent organizational skills
• Outstanding ability to document processes and keep them up-to-date
• Familiar with inventorying and data storage systems 
• Willing to undertake education for lab safety
• Available to follow lab emergencies when necessary
• Problem-solving and hands-on abilities
• A team player with excellent communication skills
• Previous experience with either cell culture and/or robotic systems (working in a clean room would be a plus but is not required)

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits. 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 learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.