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School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

PhD Studentship in Data-Driven Intelligent Audio Technologies

The following doctoral studentship is available in the School of Electronic Engineering & Computer Science to start in September 2021. 

For more information on how to apply for this or other funded opportunities available please visit our website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/dce/applications/

Phd Studentship in Data-Driven Intelligent Audio Technologies

Many audio technologies require expert users in order to be properly applied. Dynamic range compression, room correction, acoustic feedback prevention etc. all use established signal processing technologies, with limitations. Either they need manual fine-tuning or are usable only in limited situations. Modern machine learning techniques may hold the key to automatically and intelligently applying parameters. Neural networks may be trained to optimise settings for different conditions.

The project is concerned with investigating, implementing and evaluating intelligent systems that render audio content towards a target. It will explore new approaches to challenging problems, with wide application to industry and potential end users.

The first stage of work involves a preparatory literature study, defining use cases and developing an initial prototype. The next stage will involve working with and learning from existing data sets and experimental measurements. The final stage is concerned with objective and subjective evaluation, as well as development of metrics and automated correcting of system parameters from subjective evaluation.

The project can be shaped to the researcher’s interests and expertise. It is expected that the research could yield high impact publications and have application in wider machine learning contexts. 

Prospective Supervisor: Prof Josh Reiss

Who should apply?

Candidates should usually have an undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above in a relevant subject such as Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science, with at least at least three years relevant full-time employment (or equivalent) prior to applying to the programme. Through the application process, applicants should demonstrate relevant work-based competencies.  

We welcome applicants who have taken a career break.

Candidates without a relevant degree or qualifications below a 2:1 degree can be considered on a case-by-case basis should they have at least five years of relevant work experience post-degree, and through the application process can demonstrate work-based competencies. Depending on the academic study, we may look for at least 10 years of relevant work experience. 

How to apply

We will host two online workshops to support you in preparing your applications. If you did not attend the workshops, please watch the recordings before you submit an application to our programme. Recordings will be available on this webpage after the workshops have taken place.

Your application will need to include:

  • A description of up to five of your work based competencies illustrated through workplace projects and work (300 to 700 words). Relevant work based competencies include: Problem solving, Innovation, Critical analysis, Adaptability, Responsibility, and Communication;
  • A self-reflective summary on the skills that you have identified that you believe that you need to develop in order to undertake doctoral level research (200 to 500 words);
  • A proposal for a doctoral level research project that you are keen to undertake along with a description of how this fits within the aims of the Data-Centric Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training (300 to 700 words).

All candidates will need to provide two references with their application, with one of these being a recent employment reference. Sponsored employees will need a letter of support from the sponsoring or employing company post offer confirming time release from their job.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.

For further information, or to discuss part-time options for this programme, please contact Dr Gabriella Caminotto, CDT Manager, at dce-cdt@qmul.ac.uk.  

Applicants must: 

  • have been awarded their most recent degree (if any) before September 2018
  • have no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK
  • have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship. For example:
  • UK nationals
  • EU nationals seeking permanent settlement in the UK
  • nationals of any other country with unrestricted UK immigration status (e.g. indefinite leave to remain) and full-time residence in the UK at the time of application.

If in doubt please contact us with full details of your degree award dates, nationality, immigration status, and residency since 2018.