Research Fellow in Immersive Audio

Job summary

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position on Immersive Audio Research, to work on the project SONICOM. The goal of the project is to transform auditory-based social interaction and communication in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches and techniques. Specifically, the Research Fellow will be involved in the research within the following work-packages (WPs): • WP1-Immersion:...

Job listing information

• Reference ENG01561
• Date posted 10 February 2021
• Closing date 12 March 2021

Key information about the role

• Location South Kensington Campus (map)

• Position type Full time, fixed term
• Salary £46,345 – £54,852 plus benefits

• Department Dyson School of Design Engineering
• Category Researcher / Non Clinical Researcher

Job description

Job summary

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position on Immersive Audio Research, to work on the project SONICOM.

The goal of the project is to transform auditory-based social interaction and communication in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches and techniques. Specifically, the Research Fellow will be involved in the research within the following work-packages (WPs):

• WP1-Immersion: AI-based HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function) modelling and selection; spatial hearing perception; room acoustic simulation.

• WP2-Interaction: using data-driven AI methodologies to infer socially and psychologically relevant perceptions of a user within an immersive AR/VR environment.

Within both WPs, the role of AI and machine learning will be of major importance. You will lead the design and development of immersive audio (mainly binaural) tools and experiments, as well as the integration of AI principles and techniques within this part of the SONICOM project. Furthermore, you will be expected to actively collaborate with other academic and industry partners within the SONICOM consortium.

Duties and responsibilities

The activities specifically associated with this post are to:

• Integration of machine learning techniques and approaches to immersive audio-visual tools and applications.
• Design and develop immersive audio-visual tools and applications using off-the-shelf and custom equipment.
• These can be implemented in programming languages/environments such as Unity, C#/Swift, C++, and others
• . In terms of hardware, the platforms that will be used are HTC Vive, Oculus Rift/Go/Quest and iOS.
• The development and integration of custom components (e.g. headphones, microphones, etc.) will also be required Design and develop immersive audio experiments, specifically on spatial

Essential requirements

• A PhD in areas related with computing, hearing sciences, digital signal processing, music technology and/or acoustics (equivalent industry experience will be considered)

• Significant experience in post-doctoral research in the areas related with artificial intelligence and digital signal processing applied to hearing sciences, music technology and/or acoustics (equivalent industry experience will be considered)

• Knowledge of computer programming for Virtual and Augmented Reality, ideally in Unity, but other similar development platforms might also be considered

Further information

This is a full time fixed term post for 24 months

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Lorenzo Picinali – l.picinali@imperial.ac.uk

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Sarah Wissing at s.wissing@imperial.ac.uk

For technical issues when applying please contact: support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk

Documents

• Research Fellow - JD.pdf