PhD Studentship: PhD in Data-Driven Audio and Acoustic Engineering

This fully funded PhD studentship is aligned with AURORA³, the new National Strategic Infrastructure currently being built at the University of Surrey to support cutting-edge research in audio, acoustics, and AI. AURORA³ will enable fast, accurate and reproducible data collection thanks to a state-of-the-art acoustic anechoic chamber equipped with a spherical loudspeaker array and a world-first variable acoustics room enabling reverberation times as well as room volume to be precisely controlled.

The PhD studentship will support AURORA³’s early research activities, including e.g. validation of the infrastructure, design and execution of large scale measurement campaigns, and development of data driven models for room acoustics and spatial audio. The specific research direction will be finalised after enrolment so that it aligns with strategic priorities of AURORA³ and may also consider the successful applicant’s background.

The PhD student will be hosted by the Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR), an internationally-leading centre for research in acoustic engineering. The IoSR is also home to the world-renowned Tonmeister degree, which has produced a stream of highly successful graduates who have collectively received numerous accolades, including three Oscars, twelve Grammys, six Emmys, and twelve BAFTAs.

Supervisor: Professor Enzo De Sena

Open to any UK or international candidates. Starting in October 2026.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

You will have a strong interest in audio and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in relevant subject areas and a clear aptitude for research.
You will ideally have a Masters in a relevant discipline and will definitely have a 1st or 2:1 Bachelors degree (or equivalent). You will be able to demonstrate excellent mathematical, analytical and computer programming skills. Advantage will be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following: signal processing, room acoustic modelling, deep learning, acoustic measurements (e.g., microphone-based recordings), psychoacoustics, or design and execution of formal listening experiments. Furthermore, you will have excellent research skills evidenced by a significant Bachelors/Masters research project, involving experimental research, appropriate use of the literature and/or computer-based simulations, and a formal dissertation-style report. You will be enthusiastic about working in a team.

At Surrey we are committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equitable opportunities for all. We are seeking to increase the diversity within our community and would particularly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups, such as women, people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities.

How to apply

To reduce the workload on our Admissions team and on non-shortlisted applicants, we are using a two-stage application process for this studentship:

1. Stage 1: you apply via the following MS Form by Friday 3 July 2026 23:59 (UK Time): https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/FVzjhhLAEw 
2. Stage 2: if your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be notified by 6 July 2026 and you will then have to apply through the University website on the apply button above by 12 July 2026 23:59 (UK Time). Interviews will be held 27-31 July.

Funding

The funding includes:

• Standard UKRI stipend for 42 months (currently £21,805 per year, tax free)
• Tuition fees at national or international level (currently £24,300 per year) for 36 months
• Research Training Support Grant (£1,750)

For a total of up to £150k.

Enquiries Contact Professor Enzo De Sena

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