Research Associate in Audio

Role Description

Department

The Department of Electronic Engineering at the University of York has an international reputation for excellence in research and teaching.  The AudioLab (audiolab.york.ac.uk) at the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of York is looking for a talented post-doctoral research associate to join the A3i - Accessible Audio for Autistic Individuals team for a short-term project. As a Department we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud of our Athena SWAN Bronze Award. 

Role

This project investigates the media access needs of autistic individuals and what barriers they face in accessing audio and audio visual content. It brings together a diverse team with expertise in media accessibility, autism research and content creation, guided by a panel with lived experience of autism. It is funded by the Screen Industries Growth Network and is working towards their Diversity and Inclusion aims. 

The main aim of the project is to conduct a survey which identifies the key accessibility barriers autistic adults face when accessing audio only and audiovisual broadcast media. The identified barriers from this survey will  form the basis of industry recommendations, academic publications, future research funding bids and articles for the autistic community. 

This project also explores how object-based audio delivery can be implemented to the accessibility of podcasts for this target group. This will build on an existing object-based audio prototype from the BBC - the Adaptive Podcasting App. The project will look to implement real-time personalisation features to address barriers identified in the survey results. This will utilise content from a forthcoming podcast on autism and will be trialled with autistic individuals. 

The project is a collaboration between the University of York, Sheffield Autism Research Lab and BBC R&D.  The project is guided by a co-production panel of four individuals with lived experience of autism. 

The position is of 3 month duration.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Music Technology or related discipline.
• PhD in Audio or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of Android app development, Java programming language, and  object based audio
• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies related to immersive audio

Interview date: 15 December 2021

For informal enquiries: please contact Lauren Ward (lauren.ward@york.ac.uk) or contact Gavin Kearney (gavin.kearney@york.ac.uk). 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com