Job Description

A Ph.D. research position is available in the KU Leuven Electrical Engineering Department (ESAT), STADIUS Center for Dynamical Systems, Signal Processing and Data Analytics, in the frame of a research project on audio signal processing in ad-hoc wireless transducer array networks. The research activities will be focused on the design and evaluation of distributed digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms for acoustic echo and feedback cancellation, active noise control, and sound field control in ad-hoc wireless transducer array networks.

The research will be carried out in an international team of signal processing researchers at STADIUS. The standard duration of a Ph.D. research project at KU Leuven is 4 years.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
The STADIUS research division of the KU Leuven Electrical Engineering Department (ESAT) joins over 100 researchers. One subgroup within STADIUS (20 researchers supervised by Prof. Marc Moonen and Prof. Toon van Waterschoot) performs research on digital signal processing with application to speech and audio processing and digital communications. The focus of the speech and audio processing research is on acoustic signal enhancement, acoustic signal and system modeling, audio analysis, and audio reproduction. Applications range from hearing aids and cochlear implants to hands-free communications, public address and acoustic surveillance systems.
http://www.esat.kuleuven.be/stadius

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ph.D. researcher will
- Carry out research on the design and evaluation of audio signal processing algorithms for ad-hoc wireless transducer array networks;
- Monitor the work plan of the research project and make sure that milestones are achieved and deliverables are finalized in a timely manner;
- Actively participate in internal research and project meetings;
- Enroll in a doctoral training program at the Arenberg Doctoral School, and adhere to the doctoral school’s coursework requirements for Ph.D. researchers;
- Assist in the supervision of Master thesis students;
- Perform a limited amount of teaching activities (max. 2h per week).

PROFILE
- Candidates must hold a Master degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent), have a solid mathematical background (e.g. in matrix algebra and statistics) and have taken specialized courses in at least two of the following disciplines: digital signal processing, speech processing, audio signal processing, acoustics, audio engineering.
- Research experience (e.g. through Master thesis work or research internships) in digital (audio) signal processing is considered a strong asset.
- Experience with Matlab programming is required, and experience with other programming languages (C/C++/Python/...) is considered beneficial.
- Excellent proficiency in the English language is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.

OFFER
- A high-level and exciting international research environment.
- A Ph.D. title from one of Europe's top universities (after approximately 4 years of successful research).
- A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
- A competitive salary or tax-free PhD grant.
- The possibility to participate in local as well as international courses, workshops and conferences.
- A one-year position with the possibility of extension for a second, third, and fourth year.

INTERESTED?
For more information please contact Prof. Marc Moonen and Prof. Toon van Waterschoot, e-mail: marc.moonen@esat.kuleuven.be, toon.vanwaterschoot@esat.kuleuven.be.

Applications are to be submitted before June 15, 2016. The application should include the following documents:
-Motivation letter with a statement of skills and research interests
-Curriculum vitae, including transcripts and possibly GRE/TOEFL results
-Names and contact information of 1-2 references

KU Leuven carries out an equal opportunity and diversity policy.

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