AI-enhanced Sound Event Localization and Detection via Microphone Arrays

Sorama BV, The Netherlands. Primary supervisor: Dr Jin-Jack Tan. Academic supervisor: Dr. Dan Stowell (Tilburg University).

The position is offered by Sorama BV and the candidate is expected to work on-site in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and is able to commute to the location. At the same time, the candidate will be regis-tered at Tilburg University for his/her PhD candidacy. This position will be full-time, and run up to 4 years. The planned start date for this position is in Q1 2024. The application deadline is 15/10/2023.

The algorithm will be trialled through: (a) physical lab simulations e.g. a chorus of grasshoppers simulated through controlled loudspeaker arrays; (b) in situ trials with monitoring organizations in the BioacAI network (bats/grasshoppers/birds according to pilot study outcomes).

Candidates will have the opportunity to fulfil secondments at different partner institutions such as at KU Leuven (BE) and the Bat Conservation Trust (UK).

Essential knowledge, skills and experienc

• An MSc (completed, or soon to be awarded) in a topic relevant for the PhD such as machine/deep learning, (array) signal processing, computer science, acoustics, (applied) mathematics;
• Evidence of the ability to conduct high-quality research and write scientific text;
• Good written and oral communication in English;
• Good planning and time management skills;
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within the research group;
• Proficiency in programming e.g. Python, R, C/C++, PyTorch, Tensor flow;
• Willingness to travel for academic research visits and/or fieldwork;
• Willingness to learn skills from multiple disciplines (e.g. computer science, ecology).

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience of working with audio data (sound recordings),
• Experience of working with machine learning algorithms, especially deep learning,
• An interest in/affinity with biodiversity, and the field of natural sciences and biology,
• Experience in the agile way of working

Eligibility requirements

You must fulfil the EU’s “mobility rule” for this funding scheme, which means you should not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the PhD host country for more than 12 months during the 36 months prior to starting the PhD. You must not already have a doctoral degree. You must also be eligible to work according to your host country’s regulations (e.g. visa requirements), and also to travel/work to other European countries for collaborations and workshops.

The funded positions include a yearly salary of approximately 41.000 EUR, which includes holiday and mobility allowance, excluding allowances for family/special needs if required, under the terms of EU MSCA funding.

To apply, please submit (1) a letter of motivation, (2) your academic CV, (3) the names and contact details of two references. Submit these as one joined PDF document.

Application deadline: 15/10/2023

If you have any questions please contact Dr Jin Jack Tan via jin.jack.tan@sorama.eu.

This PhD is one of ten in the BioacAI project. Please do also consider applying to other positions shown at https://bioacousticai.eu/.

We adhere to The European Charter for Researchers and The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

BioacAI has received funding from the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action under grant agreement No 101116715