PhD Student (Doctoral Researcher) position in Robotics and Human Motor Control FM

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 learningcombining 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

• Masters 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 for details and deadlines.

James also welcomes informal email inquiries about the position :

Masters projects and pathway to PhD :

If you are a current Masters student interested in a semester project Masters thesis or a visiting / internship project related to this topic please contact James Hermus at .

We especially welcome students who are interested in continuing to a PhD after a successful Masters 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 persons 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

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

Key Skills

Intelligence Community Experience,Python,Spss,Microsoft Word,R,Regression Analysis,Windows,Stata,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Data Modeling,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1