Research Fellow - Institute of Sound & Vibration Research

The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton has the opportunity to explore new scientific horizons and develop new technologies for capturing and reproducing sound. The research will be led by Prof Filippo Fazi and Prof Philip Nelson and will be undertaken in collaboration with Huawei, who are long-standing sponsors of audio research at the ISVR. The work will involve other University of Southampton academics and researchers, drawing on the University's pool of talent in multiple disciplines. Support is available for various multi-disciplinary research projects that have the objective of creating revolutionary audio experiences.

To be successful, you will have strong track-records of research in acoustics, signal processing, or a related discipline evidenced by the successful completion (or within six months) of a PhD* or an equivalent qualification in acoustics and/or signal processing together with experimental and computational skills appropriate for audio engineering research. Experience with microphone array and loudspeaker array processing, 3D audio, HRTF, binaural audio and real-time audio programming is desirable.

There will be the opportunity to collaborate with the audio research team in the ISVR, to work with researchers in our partner organisation, and to attend project meetings that may involve overseas travel. It is expected that the findings of the research undertaken will be published in leading scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

This post is offered on a full time, fixed term basis for at least two years, dependent upon funding. The proposed start date for both posts is the 1st of June 2021, but it can be deferred until September 2021, if required.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Filippo Fazi: Filippo.Fazi@soton.ac.uk or Prof Philip Nelson: P.A.Nelson@soton.ac.uk

The ISVR has been at the forefront of sound and vibration research and education since its inception nearly 60 years ago. The Institute has built an international reputation through pioneering academic research, strong and enduring collaborations with industry, and generations of graduates who have spread throughout the acoustics profession. The ISVR has excellent experimental facilities including anechoic and reverberation chambers, a 6-axis motion simulator and multiple audio-focused laboratories. In addition, we are currently making substantial investments to refurbish our audio research facilities and our teaching laboratories for the next generation.

The ISVR is part of the School of Engineering at the University of Southampton, which is one of the UK's most dynamic centres for engineering research and was rated number one for research power in REF2014. The School has an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad. Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the ethos of the School of Engineering. Women, black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply for this position. In recognition of continued commitment to improving equality for women in science the School was awarded an Athena SWAN bronze in 2013 and 2016. Full consideration will be given to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity/paternity etc. policy**, and onsite childcare facilities.

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK's research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities. This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

**subject to qualifying criteria

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.