Institute of Sound and Vibration Research
Working with Stefan Bleeck and in collaboration with the lab of Dr Ian Winter, Department of Physiology, Cambridge, the project, is intended to develop a novel speech enhancement strategy that is inspired by developments in understanding of the mammalian auditory brainstem physiology. The method that we suggest will be based on our understanding of how neurons in the ventral cochlea nucleus (VCN) sparsify and encode sound. We are using this knowledge to develop a novel speech enhancement algorithms that can help to de-noise speech signals in difficult situations and that could be used for hearing aids in the future. In this project, we aim to investigate, develop and evaluate an algorithm that can be used in hearing aids and automatic speech recognition systems to enhance speech intelligibility.
You will have a PhD (or equivalent) and experience in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, physics, audiology or similar.
Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.
You will join one of the UK’s most dynamic centres for engineering and environmental research and education rated number one for research power in REF2014. We have an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad.
The Faculty has nearly 200 academic staff working in a number of research themes (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/research/themes.page). We have exceptional research facilities particularly in our state-of-the-art facilities at our new Boldrewood Innovation Campus (fluids and structures/infrastructure) which includes a 138m towing tank.
In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering we were awarded an Athena SWAN bronze award in September 2013 and intend to submit an application for Silver in Spring 2016.
The University of Southampton is the top one per cent of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities.
The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities. This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.
Application Procedure
You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Geraldine Lewis (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2507. Please quote reference 620715KR on all correspondence.