Research Fellow in Data Analysis/Machine Learning for Distributed Acoustic Sensing

Full Time Fixed Term for 18 months

The role

We are recruiting a Research Fellow (postdoctoral researcher) to undertake research on Data Analysis/Machine Learning for Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) in the context of the recently awarded UKRI grant ‘SOUNDSCALE’, http://soundscale.ac.uk/. The applicant is expected to carry out research on data analysis and machine learning to analyse large quantities of data coming from Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) in urban settings. This requires a strong knowledge on data analysis, relevant machine learning techniques, signal processing and big data, and will require the use of high-performance computing and GPU acceleration. The successful applicant will have access to unexplored and one-of-a-kind datasets of DAS in urban settings to explore their soundscapes. You will also have the chance to get involved in the data acquisition process and to design controlled experiments to address specific research questions.
This is a highly interdisciplinary project with researchers from physical sciences, computer science, social sciences and arts and humanities, with a significant element of knowledge exchange and bidirectional engagement with stakeholders. You will join a supportive interdisciplinary environment with a group of colleagues from different disciplines and you will have the opportunity to engage with non-academic stakeholders. The project comes with funding for skill development to attend training courses to learn new methodologies, as well as travel budget for conference attendance and mentoring support.

About you

The successful applicant will have or be soon to complete a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or related technical area. They will have detailed understanding and knowledge of relevant techniques, e.g., machine learning, deep learning, etc., strong programming skills in one or more programming languages relevant to machine learning, signal processing and big data, like Python, and interest or experience working in interdisciplinary environments and willingness to get involved in interdisciplinary projects. Experience with signal processing techniques, working with big data in the context of sensing, in Linux environments and in high performance computing with GPU/parallel computing would be advantageous.

The post is offered on a full-time fixed-term appointment for 18 months and should ideally start by April 2025, or shortly thereafter, and will end no later than December 31st, 2026 due to funding constraints.

Thinking of applying but you think you don’t meet all the requirements? Studies show that certain groups, like women, are less likely to apply to a role if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. If you feel this is the right project for you, we encourage you to apply, and particularly women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic, LGBT and disabled applicants. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos of this project and to the University of Southampton.

*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.

Candidates should attach their academic CV, answer a series of shortlisting questions and a short (500 word) cover letter and provide two references.

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