The University of Zurich (UZH), through its Department of Informatics and Robotics and Perception Group, is inviting applications for multiple fully funded PhD and postdoctoral research positions in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, computer vision, and autonomous navigation. Successful candidates will join an internationally recognised research team working on advanced technologies with applications in autonomous systems, mobile devices, accessibility, and real-world robotic navigation. The positions offer opportunities for researchers to work with leading academics, access world-class research facilities, collaborate with international institutions, and contribute to projects addressing fundamental challenges in robotics and AI. Application deadline: 27 October 2026Location: Zurich, SwitzerlandStarting date: As soon as possibleFunding: Fully funded positions with competitive salaries and employment benefitsPosition types: PhD students and postdoctoral researchers Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Available Research Opportunities The Robotics and Perception Group is recruiting researchers for four main research areas. 1. Low-Energy, Low-Latency World Models with Event Cameras and Frames This project focuses on combining event cameras, conventional cameras, and inertial sensors to improve the energy efficiency and processing speed of computer vision algorithms. Potential applications include simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM), object tracking, autonomous vehicles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. Event cameras detect changes in brightness at individual pixels rather than capturing conventional image frames. Their advantages include high dynamic range, minimal motion blur, microsecond-level temporal resolution, and low data bandwidth. Researchers will develop algorithms that exploit these capabilities for faster and more efficient visual perception. Applicants interested in event-based vision, computer vision, sensor fusion, and autonomous systems may find this project particularly relevant. 2. Vision-Based Robot Learning with World Models This research opportunity explores machine learning techniques that enable robots to navigate complex environments, adapt to new situations, and make better decisions using visual information. The research will investigate deep learning methods, including imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and differentiable simulation, to train sensorimotor policies that translate visual observations directly into control commands. Potential research directions include learning from real-world experience, using offline data such as online videos, and developing general-purpose robotic behaviours that transfer across tasks and environments. Experimental platforms may include flying robots, legged robots, and cars. The specific research topic will be determined in collaboration with Professor Davide Scaramuzza. 3. Learning Vision-Based Navigation Without State Estimation This project aims to develop learning-based navigation systems that map visual observations directly to actions without relying on an explicit state-estimation module. Traditional robotic systems often use separate components for perception, state estimation, planning, and control. This research will investigate whether end-to-end learning can produce more adaptable and robust navigation systems. Research areas include multimodal fusion of event-camera data and conventional images, imitation and reinforcement learning, sim-to-real transfer, and testing on agile robotic platforms. The project is conducted in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS). Researchers should expect approximately one or two trips to Singapore each year. 4. Spatial AI for Indoor Navigation of Blind People This project applies robotics and artificial intelligence to improve independent indoor navigation for blind and visually impaired people. Large university buildings can be difficult to navigate because satellite positioning is unavailable indoors and conventional signs or landmarks may not be accessible. The research aims to develop reliable, accessible, and privacy-aware indoor localisation and guidance systems. Possible research topics include indoor positioning, semantic mapping, landmark recognition, personalised route planning, accessible turn-by-turn instructions, and multimodal interaction through speech, audio, or haptic feedback. The project involves collaboration with other University of Zurich laboratories specialising in language, accessibility, and university infrastructure. It offers an opportunity to combine fundamental AI research with measurable societal impact. Eligibility and Required Qualifications Applicants should have a master’s or PhD degree in computer engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, robotics, physics, aerodynamics, or a related discipline. Candidates are expected to demonstrate: Strong interest in robotics, computer vision, mathematics, programming, and abstract problem-solving. Very strong programming skills in C++ and Python. Excellent written and spoken English. Substantial experience with robotic systems and/or aerial robots. Background knowledge in one or more relevant fields, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, control, path planning, aerodynamics, state estimation, computer vision, or numerical optimisation. Additional requirements for postdoctoral applicants include an excellent research record, with publications in high-impact conferences or journals, and demonstrated theoretical and practical experience solving complex robotics or computer vision problems efficiently. Experience with ROS, PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, and Git is desirable. Salary, Funding and Employment Benefits The positions are fully funded and offered as regular employment with social benefits, including a pension plan and accident insurance. Researchers will receive competitive salaries, although the announcement does not specify exact salary figures. Additional benefits include access to advanced research infrastructure, including a large motion-capture arena, GPU computing facilities, 3D printing equipment, and electronic and mechanical workshops. Researchers will also benefit from international collaborations, academic seminars, visits from leading scientists and industry experts, and a supportive research environment with laboratory retreats, social gatherings, hikes, and ski trips. The group has an established record of internationally recognised research, prestigious awards, high-impact publications, and alumni who have progressed to leading universities, major technology companies, and successful technology startups. Application Deadline and Starting Date The application deadline is 27 October 2026. However, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, and recruitment will continue until all positions are filled. The expected starting date is as soon as possible. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly because waiting until the deadline may reduce their chances if positions are filled earlier. How to Apply Applications must be submitted through the appropriate online application form for the position sought. PhD applicants: Apply through the official PhD application form on the University of Zurich Robotics and Perception Group website. Postdoctoral applicants: Apply through the official postdoctoral application form on the group’s website. Support letters are not required at the initial application stage. Candidates who already have them may upload them with their application. Letters will be requested if an applicant is selected for an in-person interview. Applications sent directly by email will not be considered. Applicants with questions should contact Professor Davide Scaramuzza through the group’s designated careers email address, careersrpg (AT) ifi (DOT) uzh (DOT) ch. The research group advises candidates not to email asking whether their CV is suitable; interested applicants should submit an application through the official process. How to Strengthen Your Application Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their academic background, programming experience, research interests, and practical technical skills align with one or more of the advertised projects. A strong application should highlight relevant robotics or AI projects, experience with C++ and Python, research publications where applicable, and familiarity with relevant machine-learning or robotics tools. Candidates should also explain the research questions they are interested in exploring and how their expertise could contribute to the group’s work. Postdoctoral candidates should give particular attention to their publication record and evidence of independent research contributions. Why Apply? These positions offer an opportunity to join a prominent robotics research group at the University of Zurich and contribute to advanced AI research with applications ranging from autonomous flight and intelligent navigation to accessible technologies for people with visual impairments. The combination of full funding, competitive employment benefits, specialised facilities, international collaboration, and multiple research directions makes these opportunities attractive to qualified early-career and experienced researchers. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.