Back to search results

PhD Studentship: Maximising the Slope of the Psychometric Function for Speech-in-noise Tests

University of Nottingham - School of Medicine

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Nottingham
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: £17,668 - please see advert
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 26th January 2023
Closes: 14th March 2023
Reference: MED1924

Supervisor 1: Prof Michael Akeroyd michael.akeroyd@nottingham.ac.uk

Supervisor 2: Dr Joseph Sollini joseph.sollini@nottingham.ac.uk 

Supervisor 3: Dr Chris Sumner msacs16@nottingham.ac.uk 

University of Nottingham, School of Medicine

Location: Hearing Sciences, University Park, Nottingham

Funding status: This studentship is funded by the NIHR (National Institute of Health and Care Research) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre. The studentship will cover home University rates which includes an annual stipend of £17,668 per annum for 2022/23 and tuition fees. UK/Home students only.

Studentship start date: 1st April 2023. Duration is 36 months full time.

Closing date: 14th March 2023

Project title: Maximising the slope of the psychometric function for speech-in-noise tests

Project description: The psychometric function measures how performance varies with speech level in a speech-in-noise task. It runs from chance to perfect via threshold. Its slope defines how much percent correct is gained per decibel of speech level. In general, the steeper the slope the better; a steeper slope ought to allow a higher resolution of test, which is needed to enable the detection of finer changes in performance that might be an early marker of a future hearing loss. The goal of this project is to research new methods to make the slope as steep as possible. It's quite easy to make a slope shallow but making it steep could be quite a challenge.

You will learn about speech-in-tests, comparison of different signals and background sounds (and their construction), psychometric methods and signal detection theory. There will be scope for experimental research using normal-hearing and hearing-impaired participants and developing computer simulations of performance.

You should have or expect to obtain a first class or upper 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent), or an MSc/MA, in neuroscience, psychology, audiology or other relevant scientific discipline. Research experience in auditory research will be an advantage. You will have excellent communication and team-working skills, be self-driven and highly motivated. You should also be eligible to apply for relevant research clearances that will be required including a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The successful applicant will join a large and vibrant research cluster and benefit from strong supervisory and peer support.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Michael Akeroyd michael.akeroyd@nottingham.ac.uk.

How to apply: Please email MS-HS-BRCadmin@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk with the following documents and put “Prof Michael Akeroyd advertised NIHR Nottingham BRC PhD studentship” in the title. 

  • A maximum of a 2-page C.V.
  • Degree certificate and transcript (if already graduated) or a recent transcript.
  • 800 words personal statement (maximum but excludes references) about why you are interested in doing this PhD, how the ideas outlined align with your interests and experiences and any specific ideas you have for research projects you have in this area.
  • Either two references (in a non-editable format, on headed paper and signed by the referee) or the details of two referees that we can contact. One of the references must be academic.
We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

PhD tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
 
More PhDs from University of Nottingham

Show all PhDs for this organisation …

More PhDs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge