PhD position in Human-Robot Collaborative Assembly
Mission
We are looking for two motivated PhD students, starting January 2026 to be part of an SNSF-funded project on Human-Robot Collaborative Construction. The Lab for Creative Computation (CRCL) is part of ENAC (School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering), with research and expertise spanning computational design for architecture, robotic construction and deconstruction, and interactive digital media.
The project supports the lab's mission of developing innovative adaptive construction methods that address the construction industry's major challenges and its environmental impact. We aim to question established automation paradigms and investigate new forms of interaction between humans and machines to enable both efficient and socially and environmentally conscious construction practices.
The project addresses digital construction processes and the potential of human-robot collaboration in particular for on-site timber construction. Research questions will revolve around the role of robots on construction sites and how they can effectively support human workers instead of replacing them. Research topics will include task definition and allocation, intuitive interaction modalities, and design decision-making during construction. The timber construction processes will target both assembly and disassembly of existig structures.
We offer two positions working jointly on the project, with different focuses:
- Development of collaborative design and construction processes and their implementation.
- Development of effectice communication and interaction protocols for construction applications.
The research will be conducted through continuous feedback between digital design and physical prototyping at various scales. CRCL offers a robotics lab with several small-scale and large-scale industrial robots. The project will be carried out in collaboration with two research groups in robotics from EPFL and ETHZ.
Main duties and responsibilities
As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:
- Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
- Research in close collaboration with partners in the project, both inside and outside EPFL
- Conduct physical experiments in the form of full-scale demonstrations
- Analyze and interpret experimental results
- Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Present at international conferences
- Participate in education and supervise student projects
- Take over specific lab duties and support the lab's mission
More specifically, within this project, you will:
- independently conduct comprehensive research spanning context, algorithm development, implementation and testing of methods
- contextualise the work within the realities of the construction industry and its various implications
- develop computational design, planning and communication tools for collaborative processes
- construct full-scale prorotypes to validate your techniques
Profile
We are looking for to PhD students with a background in architecture, engineering, computer science or robotics (MSc degree) and experience in digital design and robotic fabrication. You should have good programming skills and enjoy working in a design related field.
You should be self-driven and motivated to develop independent research in a collaborative environment. Excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) are essential. Experience with robots (industrial robots or bespoke robotic systems), sensing (computer vision and other methods) and software development are a plus. We highly value a collaborative and open work mentality. As such, you should be committed to open collaborations with the partner labs, as well as within the lab.
We offer
We are offering a multifaceted position in an inter-disciplinary research environment with excellent infrastructure. The position will start in January 2026 or upon agreement; the planned project duration is 4 years.
EPFL is a high-profile institution with excellent working conditions. See more details here: https://www.epfl.ch/about/working/working-at-epfl/employment-conditions/
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds, like yours! We are committed to providing a supportive work environment by supporting your individual needs at every step of your career. If you’re motivated, want to be part of a unique, multicultural, collaborative, and inclusive community – then consider this opportunity!
Informations
The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. EDAR, EDCE or EDRS.
Please check this page for additional information on admission.
Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL which you will fulfill upon selection.
Your application should contain:
- A motivation letter
- Your detailed CV
- A project portfolio
- The names and contact information of 2-3 references willing to give a recommendation
- One academic writing sample, such as a scientific paper, report, thesis, etc.
Application deadline: We will start reviewing applications on 25.10.2025 and continue until the positions are filled
Contract Start Date: 01/01/2026 or upon agreement
Activity Rate Min: 100,00
Activity Rate Max: 100,00
Contract Type: PhD Student
Duration: 4 years
Reference: 1708
Applications received through any other channel will not be considered.
For more information, please contact: isabelle.cogotti@epfl.ch