Industrial PhD Fellowship – audio signal processing & machine learning for hearing assistive devices
Research position at Oticon, Denmark
An industrial PhD position is offered by Oticon A/S and Dept. Electronic Systems, Aalborg University under the supervision of Dr. Meng Guo (Oticon), Prof. Jesper Jensen (Oticon/Aalborg University), and Prof. Zheng-Hua Tan (Aalborg University).
An Industrial PhD project is an industrial-oriented research project carried out in collaboration between a private company in Denmark, an industrial PhD student, and a university.
The research will be executed mainly at Oticon – a world-leading hearing aid manufacturer, and partly at Aalborg University – one of Europe’s top universities. Some traveling activities should be expected between these two sites. A fully-funded 3-year research position in the frame of a 3-year doctoral program (resulting in a PhD degree awarded by Aalborg University) is offered. The topic of the PhD project is: “Novel Feedback Prevention for Hearing Assistive Devices”.
The project
Main functionalities in modern hearing devices include hearing loss compensation (known as compression), beamforming (microphone array processing), and noise reduction which serve the goal of improving speech intelligibility and reduce listening effort. However, the large amplification needed in hearing devices, and the fact that microphone(s) and loudspeaker are typically placed within a few centimeters from each other, create the perfect conditions for the highly undesirable phenomenon called acoustic feedback.
The project focuses on solutions of the acoustic feedback problem using machine learning (ML) techniques to obtain novel feedback solutions which can better handle critical feedback situations and hence ensure that an optimal hearing loss compensation can always be provided to the users.
The ideal profile
You hold a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Engineering Acoustics (or equivalent). Candidates who are in the final phase of their master’s program are equally encouraged to apply and should mention their expected graduation date.
This industrial PhD position is subject to academic approval. Please send an email to megu@demant.com if you would like to know more about the academic details.
More than that, you should:
- Have a solid mathematical background (e.g., in matrix algebra, stochastic processes, etc.),
- Have taken specialized courses in at least one of the following disciplines: Digital signal processing, audio signal processing, machine learning, and control theory.
- Have experience with scientific computing in Matlab, Python, or similar.
- Have excellent proficiency in the English language, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.
In addition to the above, knowledge within one or more of the following areas will be a plus: Feedback cancellation, echo cancellation, and active noise cancellation.
As a person, you work well individually and like in-depth technical understandings and challenges. You are systematic, structured, and analytical. You are open-minded, self-driven and comfortable with seeking the optimal solution through a constructive dialogue with others.
Why join us?
We offer:
- An exciting international research environment.
- A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
- The possibility to participate in local as well as international courses, workshops, and conferences.
- A PhD title from Aalborg University – one of Europe’s top universities (after 3 years of successful research).
Interested?
Then please send us:
- Your motivation letter with a statement of skills and research interests (max 1 page)
- Academic CV, including transcripts, and possibly TOEFL/IELTS results
- Relevant diplomas (bachelor’s and master’s degree)
- Names and contact information of 1-2 references
As we are screening applications on an ongoing basis, please send your application as soon as possible – and no later than October 14, 2022. Please note, that we only accept applications through our online recruitment system. If you would like to know more about the position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Meng Guo at megu@demant.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.
At Demant we value diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of ethnic background, personality, age and gender. Diversity is part of our cultural DNA. Women in STEM areas are particularly encouraged to apply, as Demant supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
About Oticon
500 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. It is Oticon’s ambition that our customers – hearing clinics throughout the world – prefer to use our products for people with impaired hearing. Oticon is one of the two largest companies in the industry, and in Denmark all 1,600 employees, with passion, dedication and professional expertise, develop some of the most innovative hearing aids in the world. Oticon is an international growing company, and 98% of Group revenues is generated outside Denmark. We are part of the Demant Group with more than 16,500 employees and revenues of more than 16 billion.