Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Acoustic Engineering

Opportunity Overview

The role is for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Acoustic Engineering, to work on a highly innovative project for trajectory optimisation of drone operations to minimise noise impacts on exposed communities and wildlife.

Applicants must have a PhD degree in acoustics, engineering, or physics (or related discipline).  To carry out the proposed research and deliver the expected research outcomes, the candidate will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: Acoustics, Acoustic Measurements, Psychoacoustics, Human Response to Noise, Digital Signal Processing, Design of Experiments.  Previous experience on statistics, programming, and fieldwork would be desirable, although non-essential.  It is essential that the candidate demonstrate willingness to develop knowledge and understanding of: Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Animal Response to Noise, Acoustic Monitoring of Wildlife.  The candidate will be expected to disseminate their research both to their academic peers and the general public.

Specific objectives for this role are:

• Carry out comprehensive psychoacoustic testing for a complete understanding of drone noise in acoustic and non-acoustic context.
• Develop psychoacoustic models to improve the assessment and perceptual modelling of drone noise.
• Develop a drone noise impact assessment approach for wildlife.

The contract is fixed term for 27 months, although possibilities for extending will be explored during the tenure of the role depending on research income.

A bit about the School of Science, Engineering & Environment (SEE)…

The School aims to transform the quality of life for society and the well-being of future generations through a better and more sustainable future, offering students programmes from Architecture to Zoology. 

Industry collaboration is at the core of what we do and is combined with a passion for research and finding solutions to real world problems, and those that we may face in the future. 

The University’s Campus Masterplan includes 3 new buildings for the SEE School and marks a real step change in our ability to deliver world leading research and innovation.  

We have a brand-new dedicated building, a new ERDF funded Robotics Centre (NERIC), and ‘Energy House 2.0’ – an unrivalled environment to develop future energy saving products. 

The Salford’s Acoustics Research Centre is one of the largest acoustics groups in Europe.  The Acoustics Research Centre has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to conduct psychoacoustics research.  This includes a series of listening rooms designed for specialised critical listening, with acoustic treatment to ensure compliance with ITU standards.  These listening rooms are optimised for listening tests on loudspeakers to BS 6840-13 / IEC 268-13, and is equipped with state-of-the-art multi-channel spatial audio systems such as ITU standard layouts and Ambisonic reproduction setups, and augmented and virtual reality systems. 

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible working: We support a culture of both flexible and agile working to help you find the right balance
• Competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
• Professional development: A comprehensive package of training and development opportunities to help you achieve your full potential
• Our community: There’s a real sense of belonging here at Salford. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences.  Our difference makes us stronger and together we share a passion for improving students’ lives
• Generous annual leave and option to buy additional days
• Location: Our Peel Park campus provides lots of green space and a wide range of on-site facilities just 2km from Manchester city centre

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