Postdoctoral Researcher in Embedded Hardware, FPGA, Edge AI and Smart Sensors at ETH Zürich – Switzerland

Summary

ETH Zürich is inviting applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position within the D-ITET PBL (Project-Based Learning) group in Zurich, Switzerland. The position operates at an employment level of 80%-100%. The role combines hands-on technical research, teaching, student supervision, project management, and fundraising in areas such as embedded hardware, FPGA systems, Edge AI, TinyML, and smart sensors. Candidates must hold a PhD in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field, ideally defended within the last two years, and possess strong practical embedded hardware experience. Responsibilities include designing prototype hardware/software systems, teaching courses, supervising students, managing lab infrastructure, and writing research proposals. Applications must be submitted through the ETH Zürich online portal.

Key Facts

Department	D-ITET PBL (Project-Based Learning group)
Position Type	Fixed-term
Discipline	Electrical Engineering
Research Area	Embedded Hardware, FPGA, Edge AI and Smart Sensors
Degree Required	PhD in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field
Experience	Ideal candidate will have defended their PhD within the past two years, with strong practical embedded hardware background.
Salary	Competitive employment conditions according to ETH Zurich regulations
Funding	Competitive employment conditions according to ETH Zurich regulations
Contract Duration	Fixed-term
Required Documents	CV, Motivation letter
Employer Contact	Michele Magno, [email protected]

About the Project

The research focuses on embedded systems, Edge AI, TinyML, smart sensing, FPGA-based systems, autonomous robots, and drones. The postholder will take hardware concepts from initial design to complete, working prototypes, integrating sensors, microcontrollers, SoCs, and machine learning models on resource-constrained hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop complete embedded hardware/software systems from concept to working prototype.
• Perform FPGA design, PCB schematic design, layout, board bring-up, debugging, and validation.
• Teach courses in embedded systems, FPGA design, and machine learning on microcontrollers.
• Develop hands-on laboratory exercises and supervise Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.
• Support the preparation and management of European and national research proposals (e.g., Horizon Europe, SNSF, Innosuisse).
• Coordinate laboratory infrastructure, equipment, embedded platforms, and shared resources.

Required Skills

• Hands-on FPGA development and HDL design.
• PCB design, board bring-up, debugging, and validation.
• Embedded C/C++ programming on microcontrollers, SoCs, or embedded processors.
• Integration of sensors, real-time signal processing, and hardware-aware AI.
• Experience or strong interest in teaching, student supervision, and research proposal preparation.

Who Should Apply

Qualified candidates with a PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field who defended their PhD within the past two years and have a strong hands-on background in embedded hardware, FPGA design, PCB development, and Edge AI. Applicants should enjoy teaching, mentoring students, and participating in European project management and proposal writing.

Benefits

• Postdoctoral position in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Access to advanced laboratory infrastructure, FPGA systems, robotics platforms, and prototyping equipment.
• Competitive employment conditions according to ETH Zurich regulations.

About the Employer

ETH Zurich is a world-leading university specializing in science and technology, known for cutting-edge fundamental research and education, hosting over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required for this position?

Candidates must hold a PhD in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.

What is the work location and workload?

The position is located in Zurich, Switzerland at ETH Zürich, with a job status of 80%-100%.

How should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zürich online application portal. Email and postal submissions are not considered.

What specific content must be included in the motivation letter?

The motivation letter must describe two hardware systems personally designed and implemented, specifying the individual contribution, processors/FPGAs/sensors used, and the resulting prototype.