PhD Studentship Opportunity: Machine Learning for Audio with Applications for Health and Wellbeing

A PhD to advance the state of the art in Machine Learning for Audio, featuring real-world collaborations with domain experts ranging from healthcare to the entertainment industry. The studentship’s central theme is Machine Learning for Audio.

New AI for sound technology has major potential applications in security, health & wellbeing, environmental sensing, urban living, and the creative sector. Realising the potential of computational analysis of sounds presents particular challenges for machine learning technologies. For example, current research use cases are often unrealistic; modern AI methods, such as deep learning, can produce promising results, but are still poorly understood, and current datasets may have unreliable or missing labels. There is therefore great potential for advancing AI through research contributions in this area.

Solutions you will develop may involve, but not be limited to the following research themes:

• Bayesian Deep Learning:
  • Monte-Carlo dropout inference
  • HMC (Hamiltonian Monte Carlo)
  • Hybrid approaches
• Big Data analysis
• Sound Event Detection
• Signal Processing

Supervisors: Dr Ivan Kiskin, Professor Mark Plumbley

This project is open to UK and international students starting in October 2022. Later start dates may be possible.

Find out about the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing and the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI.

Entry requirements

All applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a first-class degree in a numerate discipline (mathematics, science or engineering) or MSc with Distinction (or 70% average) and a strong interest in pursuing research in AI. A keen interest in signal processing, sound, or general research in audio is highly advantageous. Additional experience which is relevant to the area of research is also advantageous.

English language requirements: IELTS Academic 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in Writing, or equivalent. More about our English language requirements.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD programme page on the "Apply" tab.

Please clearly state the studentship title and supervisor on your application.

Funding

A stipend of £16,062 (2022-23) , which will increase each year in line with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate, plus Home rate fee allowance of £4,500 (with automatic increase to UKRI rate each year). The studentship is offered for 3 years. For exceptional international candidates, there is the possibility of obtaining a scholarship to cover overseas fees. Funding for 3 years. Funded by the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI.

Enquiries

Contact Dr Ivan Kiskin (i.kiskin@surrey.ac.uk).

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