PhD Candidate in Embedded Systems & Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Ranging-based Tracking

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Sensing, Interaction & Perception Lab is looking for a PhD candidate in embedded systems. Suitable applicants have built their own embedded systems before (custom PCB + firmware, MCU + sensor integration, ideally using nRF chips) and habe some experience with UWB (communication protocol, distance estimation). Optional bonus: basic feedback control/robotics (Kalman filters, state estimation).

To learn more about our research, check out our website .

Project background

The project focuses on developing cutting-edge embedded systems that integrate UWB and motion sensors for high-accuracy ranging, tracking, and communication. You will work on custom PCBs, firmware development, and the seamless connection of MCUs with various sensors. You will also develop learning-based pipelines for state, position, and motion estimation.

The project will contribute to advancements in localization and robotics applications.

Background will be our previous work on pose estimation and location tracking.

Job description

• Design, develop, and test embedded systems hardware (PCBs) and firmware.
• Integrate MCUs with sensors, ensuring reliable communication and data handling.
• Develop UWB-based communication and ranging algorithms.
• Contribute to system-level performance optimization and experimental validation.
• Implement basic feedback control for robotics tasks.

Profile

Your background should be in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Robotics.

Candidates should also have:

• Proven experience designing custom PCBs and developing firmware.
• Familiarity with MCUs (e.g., nRF chips) and sensor integration.
• Hands-on experience with UWB technology (platforms, protocols, signals).
• Strong problem-solving and technical debugging skills.
• Optional: experience in state estimation and filters.

Application documents to be submitted

• a PDF showing your projects that are most relevant to this position
• your CV
• university score records (for undergrad and master’s)
• contact details of at least two academic referees

Workplace

We offer

We offer an exciting environment to study and work in.

For more information, check out

• our projects in the Sensing, Interaction & Perception Lab
• the SIPLAB team
• Christian Holz (PI)

ETH has several internationally recognized research groups dedicated to hardware prototyping, electrical engineering, robotics, signal processing, and machine learning. We collaborate with several of them as well as institutions and companies in Switzerland and abroad.

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

Please apply through the system to get in touch. We process applications in two stages, where a shortlist of candidates will be interviewed in the second stage. All applicants will be notified about the outcome of their submission within a month. Please do not send your documents via email.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.