PhD Stipends/Integrated Stipends in Deep Learning Based Acoustic Signal Processing for Hearing Assistive Devices

Advancements in deep learning have led to a new era in speech processing, where deep learning models demonstrate exceptional performance across various tasks, such as automatic speech recognition and enhancement. The efficacy of deep learning models lies in their utilization of multiple layers, which facilitates the extraction of intrinsic features from speech data—which cannot be accomplished with conventional hand-crafted algorithms. Despite their efficiency, many deep learning models prove too complex for real-time execution, and distinct models often need to be tailored to specific tasks. To overcome this challenge, neural architecture search and other ideas within the general field of automated machine learning have been proposed.

We seek one or more PhD students(employed as PhD fellow if you already have a Master education) in areas related to(but not limited to) Bayesian deep learning, neural architecture search strategies(e.g. reinforcement-based), confidence estimation in deep neural networks, and state-space models for speech processing. Our applications focus on hearing assistive devices and include(for example) multi-modal(audio, video, EEG) deep learning for speech enhancement, etc.

The PhD candidates will be connected with the Section Artificial Intelligence and Sound and will work closely with the researchers in the Centre for Acoustic Signal Processing Research.

You may obtain further information concerning the scientific aspects of the stipends from Department of Electronic Systems; Professor Jan Østergaard, [email protected] ; Professor Zheng-Hua Tan, [email protected] ; or Professor Jesper Jensen, email:[email protected] .

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years.

Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme, such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or similar.

The integrated stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneous in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month(SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 6.397 kr.(2023 level). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two years.

It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Lisbeth Diinhoff, The Doctoral School at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email:[email protected] , phone:+45 9940 9589.

For more information of The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design:www.phd.tech.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.