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The
Acoustics Group (https://uol.de/en/mediphysics-acoustics/acoustics)
of the Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics at the University of Oldenburg, Germany,
is seeking to fill the position of a
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher (m/f/d)
in the frame of the H2020 MSCA European Training Network SOUNDS. The full-time position is available from 01.03.2022 for three years, with a salary according to
TV-L E13. The position is suitable for part-time employment for personal or family reasons.
The Early Stage Researcher (PhD student) will be embedded in the SOUNDS research and training network, and will carry out applied research in the interdisciplinary field of signal processing, room acoustics,
auditory perception, communication networks and machine learning. The research will be executed in an international team of audio signal processing researchers and will involve several visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe.
The SOUNDS European Training Network (ETN) revolves around a new and promising paradigm coined as Service-Oriented, Ubiquitous, Network-Driven Sound. Inspired by the ubiquity of mobile and wearable
devices capable of capturing, processing, and reproducing sound, the SOUNDS ETN aims to bring audio technology to a new level by exploiting network-enabled cooperation between devices. We envision the next generation of audio devices to be capable of providing
enhanced hearing assistance, creating immersive audio experience, enabling advanced voice control and much more, by seamlessly exchanging signals and parameter settings, and spatially analyzing and reproducing sound jointly with other nearby audio devices
and infrastructure. It is anticipated that this paradigm will eventually result in an entirely new way of designing and using audio technology by considering audio as a service, enabled through shared infrastructure.
In the envisaged PhD project the main objective is to develop and evaluate
scalable immersive audio reproduction for higher-order ambisonics and channel-based audio content. Existing audio formats have predominantly been channel based which limits the scalability of the reproduction towards different loudspeaker set-ups. With
the introduction of scene-based descriptions using higher-order ambisonics and/or audio objects, as well as advanced remixing technology, the scalable and immersive reproduction of audio is within reach. Two important challenges still remain. The large existing
base of channel-based audio content should be converted to the scalable immersive sound reproduction. For this advanced model-based signal-decomposition methods need to be developed which allow the parametric spatial analysis of audio content and allows primary
and ambient component extraction. Secondly, for true immersive audio reproduction to be rolled out in practical room-acoustical conditions, robust acoustic compensation of the reproduction room will be developed based on optimizing perceptual metrics.
Responsibilities of the Early Stage Researcher
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carry out applied research on scalable immersive audio reproduction involving algorithm design, implementation, acoustical measurements, and subjective evaluation
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write scientific papers for international journals
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monitor the work plan of his/her individual research project and make sure that milestones are achieved and deliverables are finalized in a timely manner
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actively participate in research meetings with the other SOUNDS ETN researchers
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take part in the research meetings and seminars at the Department of Medical Physics and Acoustics
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enroll in a doctoral training program at the Graduate School Science, Medicine and Technology of the University of Oldenburg
Profile
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Candidates are required to have an academic university degree (Master or equivalent) in electrical engineering, computer science, engineering acoustics or a related discipline,
excellent grades and a solid scientific background in at least two of the following fields: (spatial) audio signal processing, subjective evaluation, psycho-acoustics, machine learning. Candidates who are in the final phase of their Master studies are equally
encouraged to apply, and should mention their expected graduation date.
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Candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions for MSCA Early Stage Researchers, i.e., they must have obtained their Master degree in the past 4 years and must not
have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 3 years. Applications of candidates not fulfilling these eligibility conditions can´t be considered.
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Familiarity with scientific tools and programming languages (e.g., Matlab, python) as well as excellent English language skills (both oral and written) are required.
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Experience with spatial audio reproduction methods, room acoustics, and machine-learning-based methods for audio analysis is beneficial.
Offer
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A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship with a competitive salary
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A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility
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A high-level and exciting international research environment
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A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program
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The possibility to participate in local as well as international courses, workshops and conferences
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The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe
Please note that, when offered the position, you have to submit a certificate of equivalency for foreign university degrees from the KMK. For more information
see https://www.kmk.org/zeugnisbewertung.
The Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg is dedicated to increasing the percentage of women in science. Therefore, equally qualified female candidates will be given preference. Applicants with disabilities
will be preferentially considered in case of equal qualification.
The SOUNDS ETN strongly values research integrity, actively supports open access and reproducible research, and strives for diversity and gender balance in its entire research and training program. The
SOUNDS ETN adheres to The European Charter for Researchers and The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
To apply for this position please send your application (ref. AP221) including a letter of motivation with a statement of skills and research interests (max. 1 page), curriculum vitae, and a copy
of the university diplomas and transcripts, to Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Fakultät VI, Abt. Akustik, Prof. Dr. Steven van de Par, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany, or electronically to steven.van.de.par@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Application by email is preferred.
The application deadline is 24.1.2022. ---------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Ir. Steven van de Par Acoustics Group Carl von Ossietzky University Carl von Ossietzkystraße 9-11 26129 Oldenburg
Tel. +49 441 798 3450 Fax. +49 441 798 3699 email
Steven.van.de.Par@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx website
http://www.akustik.uni-oldenburg.de/ |