Research Trainee

Role Description

Introduction

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan bronze awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work. 

The AudioLab, part of the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, is dedicated to the study of sound and its applications, including core research in immersive and interactive audio, virtual environments and soundscape simulation, music performance and acoustic modelling with applications including health and wellbeing and accessibility. This is an exciting time to join the AudioLab, with our significant research grant success from both AHRC and EPSRC.

Role

The AudioLab is looking for a talented research trainee to join the AHRC funded Enhancing Audio Description project.  The project seeks to explore the potential of sound design practices and spatial audio to provide accessible film and television experiences for visually impaired audiences. The position is of 18 months duration. The candidate is required to have strong background knowledge in spatial audio, listening test design and implementation, audio production workflows and good coding skills. They will conduct a programme of research to fulfil deliverables on the Enhancing Audio Description II project, including conducting listening studies to evaluate project outputs. They will contribute to the creation of research papers for international conferences, symposia and consortium meetings as well as high impact journals.

This role is part time, 18.5 hours a week, and available on a fixed term basis for up to 12 months.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• A degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Music Technology or related discipline.
• Good knowledge of spatial audio and associated research techniques and methodologies.
• Experience in listening test design, implementation and analysis.
• Good coding skills.
• A strong desire to work in the field of accessibility.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Prof. Gavin Kearney (gavin.kearney@york.ac.uk) or pet-hr@york.ac.uk.

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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