Job Description

PhD Stipend in Sound Scene Analysis for Hearing Aid Applications

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Electonic Systems a PhD stipend in Sound Scene Analysis for Hearing Aid Applications is available within the general study programme Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The stipend is open for appointment from December 1, 2013, or as soon as possible thereafter.


Job description

The PhD researcher will work on the research project "Sound Scene Analysis for Hearing Aid Applications".

This research project focuses on the problem of statistically optimal sound scene analysis. Specifically, the problem is to optimally determine the number and physical location of sound sources and furthermore analyze the sound scene in terms of background noise level, reverberation level, etc. Mother Nature imposes fundamental limits on the accuracy with which this information can be extracted from time-limited, noisy microphone signals: the project is concerned with determining what these limits are and designing algorithms which approach them.

While initial phases of the project focus on "local" sound scene analysis algorithms which make use of the microphones in a given hearing aid, later stages encompass emerging wireless technologies, which allow hearing aids to communicate with external, wirelessly connected, microphones.

You may obtain further information concerning the scientific aspects of the position from Professor Jesper Jensen, Department of Electronic Systems, Aalborg University and Oticon A/S, phone: +45 39138981, email: jje@es.aau.dk and jsj@oticon.dk.

The research project is a cooperation between Aalborg University, Aalborg and Oticon A/S, Copenhagen who is a world-leading hearing aid manufacturer. The successful applicant will be enrolled at Aalborg University; the research will be carried out partly at Aalborg University and partly at Oticon.

The Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University and Oticon A/S offer an attractive scientific environment in an international team of scientists and access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs.

We are looking for a candidate with a Master (or equivalent) degree in electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field. Documented excellence is necessary in statistical signal processing (preferably including estimation and detection theory). Ideally, the applicant has a solid background in acoustics and/or auditory perception. Familiarity with scientific tools and programming languages such as MATLAB or C, as well as excellent English language skills are required. Knowledge about hearing aid technology is desirable.

The application must include
- application and a letter of motivation,
- CV,
- a copy of your university diplomas and grades,
- one-page description of the candidates research ideas within the research area,
- three named references incl. contact information,
- relevant publications, if any.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2013.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 18 of January 14, 2008 on the PhD Programme at the Universities. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed every six months. It is a prerequisite for continuation of salary payment that the previous progress is approved at the time of the evaluation.

The qualifications of the applicant will be assessed by an assessment committee. On the basis of the recommendation of the assessment committee, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science will make a decision for allocating the stipend.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Lisbeth Diinhoff, The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email: ld@adm.aau.dk , phone: +45 9940 9589.

The faculty have a research school, The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science: www.phd.teknat.aau.dk and a Network for all PhD students: www.pau.aau.dk.

The application is to be submitted at http://www.vacancies.aau.dk

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of March 26, 2012 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the Ministry of Finance Circular of June 13, 2007 on the employment structure at Danish Universities.

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